Tango Figures

Some of the Tango figures that you can learn at the Academy are listed below. I would recommend that you download these lists and mark off each figure as you learn it. To help you remember you may also wish to include your own brief description of the figure.

1.	Walking in-line, in the tango embrace.
2.	Simple navigation around the floor [repeated with each subsequent figure].
3.	Walking in-line, with stops and weight changes [steps] in place.
4.	Walking in-line, with rock-steps.
5.	Side-step [left for men], walk outside partner [right side] and back in-line.
6.	Side-step [left for men], walk outside partner to ladies cross [Cruzada].
7.*	Ditto, ending with the Resolution.
8.	Front Ocho from the Cruzada.
9.	Back Ocho from man's left foot side-step.
10.	Simple Giro [turn] to right from Cruzada.
11.	Simple Giro to left from walk outside partner [right side].
12.	Use of the 'pivot' to change easily between Front Ochos and Back Ochos.
Exercises will be taught for Walking, Front and Back Ochos and Giros to right and left. Students will be expected to practice these exercises between classes. With the addition of a back-step at the beginning or the end, Figure 7.* is commonly known as 'The 8-Step Tango Basic'. This figure is a useful teaching tool as it provides a framework within which the remaining figures, at beginner level, can be danced. As a student gains experience, this figure will be used less and less.

At Improver Level, the basic beginner figures, i.e. Front Ocho, Back Ocho and Giros to Right and Left, will again be taught, but with a number of different entries and endings. They will also be connected in different ways.
1.	Back Ocho to Parada [Stop] with Sandwich.
2.	Ditto, with Ladies' Gancho [Hook].
3.	Paraditas [Small Stop or Interruption], within Front Ochos.
4.	Ocho Cortado.
5.	Medio Giros [Half Turn] to Right and Left with Sacadas [Displacement].
6.	Walking in 'Crossed Feet', including Crossed-Feet Basic.
7.	Walking with progressive turn to left.
8.	Walking outside partner, left side, in crossed feet.
9.	Barrida [Sweep] from Back Ocho or within progressive turning walk to left.
10.	Back Ocho to Calesita [Merry-Go-Round].
11.	Giro to Left, with Lapiz [Pencil] and Paradita.
12.	Giro to Right, with Lapiz and Paradita.
At this level, pauses and double-time steps will also be introduced and the basics of musicality will be explained. Students will be encouraged to listen to the music as much as possible between classes. Simple embellishments for the lady will also be introduced at this stage. These may include foot-taps, small Lapiz, shoe-shines and ankle-hooks [behind]. Improvisation is an essential element of Tango and the male students should be exploring ways to Improvise by leading the Walk, Ochos and Giros in simple sequences that have not been specifically taught in the classes. Fundamental to improvisation is maintaining a good connection with his partner.

At Intermediate Level, the beginner and improver figures, i.e. Front Ocho, Back Ocho, Giros to Right and Left, Ganchos, Paraditas, Barridas, Lapiz and Calesita will again be taught but, again, with different entries and endings.
1.	Walking, with progressive turn to the right.
2.	Ladies' Back Boleo with left foot and, later, with right foot.
3.	Forward and Side Sacadas within the Walk, Ochos and Giros.
4.	Back Sacadas.
5.	Enganches.
6.	Ladies' Sacadas.
7.	Volcadas.
8.	Colgadas.
9.	Front Boleo + combining Back and Front Boleos.
10.	Ladies' Barrida.
11.	Ganchos for Men.
12.	Enrosques.
At this level, the male students will be comfortable with the Tango basics, including the embrace, navigation, leading and the basic steps taught at beginner and improver levels. As well as the more complex figures taught at this level, men will be concentrating on connection, musicality and improvisation. Ladies will also be comfortable in following and more able to contribute to the musicality of the dance. More complex embellishments for the ladies will be introduced at this stage, such as ankle-hooks [in front], unled Boleos, back flicks, unled Enganches etc.