TANGO E14

A colgada in tango is an out of axis move where the couple hang back away from each other, whilst counterbalanced on a shared axis. Although, a volcada is also an off axis movement, the partners are tipping towards each other, whereas in a colgada the partners are hanging back away from each other.

In English decoration. There are various decorations in tango eg: lapis (circle), rulo and rizo. Typically the follower takes the initiative and adds a relevant decoration to the movement under-way.

For example: additional taps, flicks, circles, wraps, crosses, spirals, knee lifts/ passé/ retiré and wraps. However this is not a complete list there are many more possibilities. It is also possible for the leader to add decorations in a similar manner.

Noun m, hook. In tango refers to hooking ones lower leg around ones partner; usually around their leg. A ‘double gancho’ is where both hook on each other simultaneously. A ‘leg wrap’ is a bigger movement involving wrapping the whole or most of the leg around the partner’s leg or body.

Giro means a turn in Spanish from the verb girar to turn. ( ‘Hacer un giro’ – to make a turn ). In tango ‘giro’ usually means to take a turn round one’s partner. The expression ‘giro pattern’ typically means these four steps:  ‘Forward’, ‘Side’, ‘Back’, ‘Side’, so that the follower travels around the leader in four even, equal, precise steps that form an even square/ diamond or circle around the leader. The ‘Giro’, or journey round one’s partner can be started with any of these steps , but once a giro is clearly indicated and led the follower will continue with the giro pattern until led to do something different ( eg, speed up , slow down, stop, change direction ).

[For exercises and practical tips go to ‘Teaching notes’.]

Literally it means ‘Half moon’ or semicircle. In tango dancing, a semicircle or half giro. Often starting with a ‘back’ step, followed by a ‘side’ step, then a ‘forward’ step; which can easily be ‘resolved’ or finished with a second half to that last ‘forward Ocho’.

Molinete – means little mill in Spanish in tango it means to dance an action created by acting like a mill. See also ‘Calesita’.