Saturday 18th January a usual afternoon with Tony and Anita teaching a class on calesitas or molinetes and ochos! Starting with a few tango technique basics/ reminders such as walking and ochos (pivoting) and then we will teach the basic underlying principles of calesitas/ molinetes. As always in the class we focus on simple concepts, but doing things with good technique, control and musicality.

With a friendly milonga after with lovely tunes from Andy Warner and beautiful lighting from Stuart McLenahan. All levels and abilities are welcome!

Class on calesitas, molinetes and ochos.

This week we will look at Calesitas (Merry-go-round) / Molinetes (grinding mill) and ochos.

The idea is to get the follower onto a single axis on one leg, and then walk around them, pivoting them on that foot. We are mimicking the action of a Merry-go-round or a grinding mill, hence the name. The follower has one clear supporting leg, and a free leg. So now the follower could use the free leg to create decorations. Can the leader allow, encourage, or discourage such extra movements? We have to also consider our connection and our shared musicality. Lots of other movements are related to these simple ideas, including ochos, colgadas, and volcadas. So it is worthwhile to play and experiment, and get the feel of what is happening.

We can then choose how much we want to do, and the detail of how we go about it. So our connection and musicality are vitally important. You have to just do it, and fail or succeed. Try out possibilities, and see how best to make it work for you.

After you have mastered the movement, you need to learn to apply it in an improvisation or mixed with other dancing e.g. walking. It is worthwhile to play and experiment, and get the feel of what is happening. Are you still listening to and dancing to the music? Does any of this relate to how you go about other common movements, such as ochos and walking?

Private tuition available 

There are slots of an hour before or after this Saturday event for private tuition suitable for couples. If you are interested in booking a private class please ring Tony Lane on 02075383852.