Dance Practice – Argentine Tango

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Remember to WARM UP and COOL DOWN! Practice LEAD (left first) and FOLLOW (right first) for all steps. Basic Step Remember: Gliding steps • Forward – Heel leads into a step. Then, push off back foot and turn that toe over (like you

are ice-skating). • Backward –Toe reaches out skimming the floor. TIPS: Keep knees and hips slightly bent, and back erect with upright posture.

Forward LEFT (1)

Start

Forward or “Follow”

Side RIGHT (2), close LEFT (and)

Back LEFT (3)

Back LEFT (3) 4

Back RIGHT

(4)

5 Cross LEFT TOE (5)

Back RIGHT (6) close LEFT (and)

7

Side LEFT (7)

Together RIGHT

(8)

6

8

3 2

1

Dance Practice – Argentine Tango

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INTERESTING NOTES: The entry and exit steps (“forward-side-together” or “back-side-together”) are called the “salida” or “doorway”. This sequence is used to transition into and out of different tango patterns. The crossed toe position (step 5 of the follower) is called the “crusado”.

1 2

Start

Backward or “Lead”

Forward RIGHT

(3)

5

Forwardtogether

RIGHT (5)

Forward LEFT (4)

3

6

Forward LEFT (6)

Side RIGHT

(7)

Together LEFT (8)

8

7

4

Back RIGHT

(1)

Side LEFT (2), close RIGHT (and)

Dance Practice – Argentine Tango

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SIMPLIFY IT! WALK the TANGO! Just walk it! Try to add the salida. Walk forward for a few GLIDING counts beginning with the LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT…, then… …then continue walking forward on your RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT…

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Walk backward for a few GLIDING counts beginning with the RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT…, then:

Side LEFT (2), Together RIGHT (3)

Start

1

Back RIGHT

(1) 2

3

Start

1

3

2 Forward LEFT (1)

Side RIGHT (2), Together LEFT (3)

Dance Practice – Argentine Tango

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…then continue walking backward with your LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT… How to dance in time and with music: “Slow, slow, slow, slow…” Each “slow” step can take as long as you like, but always step on the beat. OR “Slow, slow, quick-quick, slow...” Again, choose your speed for the “slow”, but the “quick” is twice as fast as the slow that you choose! Again, always step on the beat of the music.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------- OR

When you see this kind of outlined foot “step”, it means that there is no (or very little) weight on that step. Often, a foot will move into a “close” position near the other foot, between beats of music, to get ready for the next step.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------- WEEKLY BALANCE CHALLENGE: Remember how smooth your steps were while you danced the tango? It’s because you were stepping first with your heels! Improve this “heel-toe” motion and strengthen the front of your shins by lifting your toes up off the floor.

• If you feel unsteady doing this motion, practice lifting your toes while holding onto a sturdy surface.

• You can practice this while you’re sitting in a chair, too! SAFETY TIP of the WEEK: When attempting to walk backward, always be sure that you are comfortable doing this. Scan your environment and clear any obstacles, and note any uneven surfaces. If your balance is challenged walking backward, practice it ONLY near a sturdy surface like a countertop or railing where you can use your hand to steady you. Also, use another person as a partner when practicing dancing backward: It’s fun AND safer!