This Saturday 9th December 2023 at Tango E14 we have a class on understanding and using our axes for decorations. { No ! We are not going to chop anyone up with an axe, or cut anyone down. }

‘Axes’ is the plural of ‘Axis’. We need to understand both our own axis and that of our partner. We can easily understand the concept of a ball or the planet earth spinning on its axis. So, we want to develop our understanding and capabilities of how we can use our individual and joint axes in Argentine tango. There are lots of  possibilities including for musicality, for decoration and for fun.

> Get ready for our Christmas Party with guest teacher and DJ Hernan Brusa NEXT Saturday 16th December. <

Class on finding, understanding and using your own axis, and that of our partner, for decorations.

We will start simply, working on balance and holding our own axis. As we progress  from that we will add decorations that can be suitable for followers as well as leaders. There are very many places, times or ‘figures’ you might be able to decorate. However for today we will look at some straightforward situations, progressing from  simple to more complicated.

Decorations for followers:

• Easy: A Leader might, or might not, lead a ‘parada’, and then invite a ‘pasada’. The follower could add decoration to the ‘pasada’.
• A bit harder: Decorating during ochos is more challenging. The follower keeps moving and has to decorate almost unnoticed without hindering the lead.
• More challenging: is decorating during walks. This is widely practiced as solo exercises, but is trickier to apply in hold as you have limited time to do it whilst keeping the flow of the walk with your partner.

Decorations in specific figures

• More obvious use of our axes, and playing with one or other or both axes: A nice simple concept is the ‘Molinete’. This move involves placing the follower on one leg (one axis), and the leader moving around and pivoting the follower just on that foot. While at the same time the follower takes the opportunity to decorate, usually gently and at floor level, with the free foot.
• One set of opportunities that arise are ‘Giros with decorations’: There are many apparently complicated or sophisticated possibilities here. We will look at some of the more straightforward possibilities as time allows. Now we are getting a bit trickier, and we are finding more opportunities for the leaders to decorate.

The main categories of decoration we will look at today include taps (rhythmical), circles, crosses and flicks, kicks, leg wraps, hooks (ganchos) and flexing of the foot.

Key skills for decorating

* musicality especially rhythm, syncopation, feeling for the dynamics of the music.

* ‘listening to’ and understanding your partner.

* When is it appropriate? Does your partner appreciate decorations? When is a good time in the music to put in a decoration?

* Phrasing of the music. When to stop and start, and to be in time with the music!

* Where it is safe in the room, with your partner, and  what hold ?

* How capable you are at certain decorations (it is ok to practice and try new things, but just be aware who with and where you are doing it)

* Use caution who you decorate with, depending on what kind of relationship you have with this dancer.

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.