My Tango Diaries

Posted by PlanetTango, here is a link to a clip from GottaTango that demonstrates a bit of what was taught in Tuesday's class - with many more variations. The video quality isn't great but the audio instruction compensates a bit. For those who prefer a "count" and a slightly better video quality, below is a lesson from TangoCity on ochos. This demonstrates pivots very well, but it doesn't emphasize the weight shift, and importance of changes to the embrace that signal the invitation to the ocho. Still, between the two videos, the information presented will hopefully be helpful in practicing.

This was one of the things my class was working on last Tuesday (and I'm still working on in the stairwell ;-) ) This longer variation works in tighter dance spaces when you need to keep dancing, but not necessarily move forward.

With regards to elasticity: And this video, also from TangoStudent on Youtube, more closely demonstrates what we worked on in last night's class - though we used the "training" or "learning" embrace.

I made it through my first lesson in Argentine tango. As to be expected, my little experience in Ballroom tango hindered in some ways and helped in others. In ballroom tango, it's easier to "cheat" in a sense, and not feel so completely for the lead. You have already learned the steps you are dancing and you know how to start most sequences. In Argentine tango, the embrace is the language for everything else. You can start anywhere go anywhere in the procession of steps. So feeling the lead (obviously this is from a follower's perspective) is everything. The emphasis on this shows in the different way the classes are taught. Ballroom tango class began with the opening sequence of steps. Argentine tango class began with the embrace and connection. The transition was a difficult one for me. Finally, I had to simply close my eyes and not look at anything. That changed everything. After the class, fast tango music seemed like too much to listen to. So I put Gotan Project...

BewitchingBlackLotus has posted several step and embellishment tutorials on YouTube that are extremely helpful in expanding your tango repertoire. See Jennifer Bratt's YouTube channel here. Displayed below, Decorated Side Steps Watching these videos makes me want loads more shoes. LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Decorated Side Steps- Embellishment LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Front Boleo LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: High Back Boleo LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Low Back Boleo LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Basic Tap - Embellishment LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Tap on Forward Step - Embellishment LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Tap on '2' - Embellishment LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Tap on '3' - Embellishment LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Beat in Front - Embellishment LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Double Beat -Tango Embellishment LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Caricias - Embellishment LaMaleva Tango Embellishment: Ochos with Cha Cha Cha LaMaleva Tango Tutorial: Rulo Loco - Embellishment

If you need some extra practice during your lunch break, this is the way to go! Here are all the links for 12 of the original 20 lessons. 13-20 are not available on YouTube, unfortunately. Instructors are Mora Godoy and Osvaldo Zotto. Lesson 1 is displayed below: LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 1/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 2/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 3/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 4/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 5/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 6/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 7/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 8/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 9/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 10/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 11/20 LEARN HOW TO DANCE TANGO IN YOUTUBE LESSON 12/20