Level 2 Oct - Dec 2019

The theme for this term is circular moves and combinations.

Week 5, 6 and 7 ending December 4
Review and linking of all moves covered in term:
  • Sanguchito
  • Medialuna
  • Giro to Right and Left
Navigation and improvisation using the above repertoire.

Week 4 starting November 11
1. Introduced Sanguchito (Sandwich):

This video includes a Parada (obstacle or block) at the ending Forward Ocho. The Sanguchito already has two inbuilt Paradas. A third can be added to the ending Forward Ocho (as shown in the video).

2. Reviewed Media Luna
3. Improvised with Media Luna and Sanguchito - both moves start and end the same way and turn to the right.
4.  Reviewed Giro to Left and Right from standing start and from Parallel Cross
5. Improvised with all the above moves.

Week 3 starting November 4
1. Introduced Giro to Left 

2. Reviewed Media Luna and Giro
3. Added Giro to the Parallel Cross 
4, Improvised and navigated with the above moves

Week 2 starting October 28
  • Introduced Media Luna which is the exact last 3 steps of the Giro introduced in Week 1.
  • Reviewed Giro 
  • Alternated and improvised with the Media Luna and Giro
Week 1 starting October 21
  • Introduced Giro to the Right (from standing start)
A Giro is defined as a Follower's turning steps around the Leader which complete a circle. 

Sometimes the Leader and Follower also turn around each other and / or the Leader also uses the Giro pattern of walking (as in this version introduced in Week 1):

A Giro is made up of alternating front and back steps connected by a side step. It is sometimes also referred to a Molinete or Grapevine.

Musicality
We focused on the most popular and common timing for Giro, as follows:
Forward (single) '1 - 2'
Side (single) '3 - 4'
Back - Side (double time) '1-2'
Forward (single) '3-4'

Tips for good Giros:
  • Work with the floor - push into the floor to project into the next step
  • Focus on the connection of the frame - contain your steps within the frame
  • All steps are circular including the Follower's Back Step (don't step outside of circle)
  • Use dissociation to keep your torso towards your partner (all steps except side step involve dissociation)
Good habits for tango dancers
  • 'Steel vs spaghetti': Your standing leg is like steel - dynamic, strong and grounded, your free leg is like spaghetti: light and loose without tension.
  • Your free leg hip is stable yet loose and lower than your base leg hip (this removes tension from your free leg)
  • 'Collection' - Thigh or ankle (as you prefer) connection as you walk
  • Push off the floor as you walk - to make your walk more dynamic.
  • Never lock your knees: You standing leg knee is softly flexed (not locked) - this gives you better contact with the floor.
  • Always find your axis - 'it's your beauty and your power'
  • Walk in the line of your hips - Imagine your hips are at the centre of 2 crossing lines: one going forward / back and the other - left /right. The first line is the guide for forward and back steps, the second line guides side steps.
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 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: 250 songs download
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 leaders
How to practice without a partner - for followers