Tango Figures

Please note that the terms 'Beginner', 'Improver'  and 'Intermediate' are used for reference only. Always remember that it's not WHAT you dance that is most important, but HOW you dance. The biggest mistake you can make in Tango [or any other dance] is to equate the number of figures you have learned with your level of dance. Also, more important than any step are the embrace and the music - both of which will be taught from the 1st lesson.

TANGO FIGURES FOR BEGINNER AND IMPROVER LEVELS

1. Walking in-line, in the Tango embrace.
2. Simple navigation, CCW, around the floor [repeated with subsequent figures].
3. Walking in-line, with stops and weight changes [steps] in place.
4. Walking in-line, with rebounds.
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.

Forward Ocho from the Cruzada.

8.

Backward Ocho from man's left foot side-step.

9. Ocho Cortado.
10. Changing between Backward and Forward Ochos, with Boleo.

Pauses will also be taught at these levels.

Exercises will be taught for Walking and for Forward and Backward Ochos. Students will be expected to practice these exercises between classes.

TANGO FIGURES FOR IMPROVER AND INTERMEDIATE LEVELS

At these Levels, the basic beginner figures, i.e. Walking, Forward Ocho, Backward Ocho and Ocho Cortado will again be taught but connected in different ways and improvisation will be encouraged.

1. Crossed feet walking, including walk to Cruzada.
2. Paraditas [Small Stop or Interruption], within Forward Ochos.
3. Back Ocho to Parada [Stop] with Sandwich.
4. Medio Giro [Half Turn] to Left.
5. Simple Giro [turn] to right from Cruzada.
6. Back Ocho to Calesita.
7. Walking, with progressive turn to the right.
8. Walking outside partner, left side, in crossed feet.
9. Forward and Side Sacadas within the Walk and Giros.
10. Additional Turns and Giros to right and left.

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 embrace and connection.

 

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