TANGO E14

Cadena in Spanish means chain, in tango it refers to any short sequence that is repeated, where the leader and follower go round each other and advance slightly.

Cadenas can involve a sacada by one (e.g. by the leader) followed by a similar sacada by the other (e.g. the follower), joined with a few steps involving pivots or turns. So, the whole effect is like a series of links of a chain. The word cadena in tango is used to indicate a concept, not a specific sequence. There are hundreds of different cadena variations.

Calesita – carousel, merry-go-round. Also called ‘molinete’; a little mill. One of the couple walks around while the other pivots on the spot. Rarely, called carrusel also meaning a merry-go-round.

Hold the follower (or partner) balanced on the front of one foot. Keep a suitable embrace with each other, so that the follower is always facing the leader, is in an open embrace, or at an angle if in a closer embrace. The leader can then walk around the follower whilst turning/ pivoting the follower on one foot. At the same time being careful to ensure the follower maintains her/ his axis. The roles can be reversed so that the follower pivots the leader. A molinete or a calesita can be virtually the same move, but the word calesita implies something a little more jolly.

Codigos de tango or étiqueta de tango : tango etiquette, customary behaviour, unspoken rules, may vary from milonga to milonga, from place to place, and time to time. Someone could write a whole section about this – any volunteers ?

Here is an overview of the unwritten tango social rules:

1/ The general flow, ronda (Spanish) line of dance of the dancers in a milonga is anticlockwise around the room.

2/ A cabeceo – is an unspoken invitation and acceptance to dance. It is essentially a subtle look or glance which is acknowledged equally subtly. It is intended to avoid coercion, obligation, embarrassment or other discomfort by either party. It is not forced.

3/ personal hygiene, bathed or showered body, and washed clothes, brushed teeth.

4/ dress code may or may not be important. e.g. no jeans and shorts, it is recommended to check with the organisers or regular visitors what the usual dress code is.

codigo – Spanish for, code; ‘codigos’- rules.

A colada 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.