Tango (ballroom)

[QPO]

International Tango is quite unique in that it is the only dance of the standard dances that is danced with no foot rise (not sure if that is correct) and is danced in the lowered position.  Lets discuss Tango here.

[ZPomeroy]

i think the most important aspect to convey with a tango is the intensity of the dance, as Neil Rosenfeld has said "move like a tiger and strike like a snake"

Zac

[QPO]

Yes but how do you achieve that.....One of my coaches says that you have to dance like the roof is only a few inches above your head when you are in tango position...No rise... Also feet placement using the side of your feet.  These things are not natural and take time to achieve.

[Beachbum]

I've been told to slide my leading heel forward and then "flop" down my foot.  Not sure about the follow.  Make sure you compress before each forward / backward step.

[ZPomeroy]

i think this relys quite considerably on the supporting leg, lets say for instance we're doing a basic forward. I prefer for the start of the dance to have only slightly bent knees, as if you were starting any other dance. During this first step the man has a right shoulder lead, meaning that the leg is almost across the body. While lowering into your supporting leg you extend you left leg out, at the last moment change the weight between the legs, this give you the "strike like a snake" movement. i am happy to be shown different, but this is just how i see this and most movement in the tango

Zac

[QPO]

Yes I have seen Mirko do that move...He does such a great Tango

[elisedance]

i think the most important aspect to convey with a tango is the intensity of the dance, as Neil Rosenfeld has said "move like a tiger and strike like a snake"

I like that anlaogy - too often you only hear the cat part which is really more like argentine tango than ballroom but the snake part is the difference .   The (body) movement in tango is altenating 'legato and staccato' - slow motions like a cat stalking followed by sudden weight transfers.  The feet on the other hand only do staccato wait - move - wait-move!

[QPO]

Yes.....Tango is definitely staccato and people do forget that when performing it socially, it becomes too soft....and looses the character of the dance.

[ahowlett1]

If you have never had a tango lesson with Neil Rosenfeld you are missing out on real tango.

[SwingWaltz]

Remember those Tango closses.....
What about small base, i.e. taking smaller steps when you want a step to be snappy. Large steps naturally take longer, so makes it look like it's dragging a bit.

[TangoDancer]

And, even though int'l tango is not danced like the other 2 styles (weighted in the middle), it is still necessary to focus in the middle. The staccato action comes from focusing in the middle of the steps rather than rolling/plopping from foot to foot. EE correctly mentioned one dynamic of tango, fast/slow; there are 2 more not to be ignored; tense/soft, and near/far. This defines tango; its dichotomies.

[elisedance]

Tense/soft I think I understand - can you expand on near/far?

[Dora-Satya Veda]

And, even though int'l tango is not danced like the other 2 styles (weighted in the middle), it is still necessary to focus in the middle. The staccato action comes from focusing in the middle of the steps rather than rolling/plopping from foot to foot. EE correctly mentioned one dynamic of tango, fast/slow; there are 2 more not to be ignored; tense/soft, and near/far. This defines tango; its dichotomies.

Agree on this.

Ahh, Bill saying "look from afar"

[TangoDancer]

Tense/soft I think I understand - can you expand on near/far?

Yes...not so difficult, and better by example. This dichotomy refers to both movement and positioning. Many dancers get in by position, but miss it in the movement. Let's take position first...it's easier. Ex: one is in position dancing 2 walks. The lead is into the rock turn. The lady's posture exacts from near (in walk position) to far (headline in the lunge). The illusive one is near/far when related to movement. For ex: progressive link...the movement into the final movement is near, that it is say closely tucked or taut within the core. This movement is then followed by a closed promenade, and the body is sretched/expanded as the movement is exploded out (far) beyond the core of both body and step. Ta-da...near and far in tango.

[elisedance]

love it - perhaps the simplest example then is the extension of the leg in any walk (forward or back)...