Good habits for tango dancers
Please see at the bottom of this page... - Exercises and Drills to practice in between classes, in addition to moves taught each week. - Spotify music lists and other music resources Week 7: Starting December 3 We reviewed and integrated all content from Weeks 1 - 7, in preparation for dancing at our End of Term Celebration! No new moves were introduced. Continued emphasis on navigation and connection.Week 6: Starting November 26 Consolidation and linking of all moves with strong emphasis on musicality:
Timing for Giro and Medialuna Make sure to step / lead double time for side step after back step, i.e.: (follower's steps) Giro:
The '1' - '2' - '3' timing for Back - Side - Forward gives a good flow to the Giro. Medialuna Same as the last 3 steps of the Giro:
Week 5: Starting November 19 We linked the Sandwich and Giro together as follows:Week 4: Starting November 12 1) Introduced:
Musical points: Follower's steps: (numbers refer to the count in the bar) Both Leader and Follower need to be actively engaged with the music and leading / stepping on the beat as follows... 1: Forward Step Right leg 3: Side Step Left leg 1: Back step Right leg 2: Side Step Left leg (Ended with Forward Ocho...) 3: Forward Step Right leg 4: Pivot Right leg 1: Forward Step to Leader's Left Left leg Note: 1 - 2: (bolded) are double time steps The count for Forward Ocho here is in single time. It could also be in half time as follows: 3 - 4: Forward Step 1 - 2: Pivot 3: Forward Step to Leader's Left 2) Reviewed:
Week 3: Starting November 5 1) Reviewed:
2) Linked the above moves with attention to navigation Week 2: Starting October 29 1) Introduced:
A Medialuna consists of three steps circular (Follower's Back, Side and Forward steps) in the same direction. The version of Medialuna introduced is to the (Leader's) right starting with a Back (cross) Step. Leaders, the Medialuna, like the Sandwich, creates a 180 degree turn. To return to the right line of dance lead another 180 degree move such as:
2) Review of Sandwich from Back Ocho 3) Improvisation using
Week 1: Starting October 22 Introduction of Back Ocho from side step ('Salida'): Introduction of Sandwich from Back Ocho: Tango Music - for practicing Spotify Check out Sophia's spotify lists: Tango (Trad) Best for practicing musicality - walking to single, double and half time. Tango (Neo) contemporary songs (good for practicing technique) Link to 250 songs The following link will download a fabulous collection of 250 of the most popular songs (tango, vals and milonga) played in milongas around the world! Focus for now only on the tangos. Also focus on instrumental songs as opposed to vocals as these are easier to find the beat. Di Sarli is one of the better orchestras to start with: http://www.muraterdemsel.com/250TANGO.zip This link goes to a zip file (little less than a 1 GB file). Here's a link to help you better understand tango music for dancing. For reading: How to practice without a partner - for leadersHow to practice without a partner - for followers Homework (for every week) In addition to reviewing moves from classes make sure to do these drills. Done regularly they will do wonders to your tango! Lapiz Walk Pivoting Walk |