We didn't (really) learn anything new this week in Tango, but we did review & improve that which we had already learned . . .
Most important things to take away:
>> Promenade to pivot turn & promenade to grapevine
- STAY DOWN! - to maintain a smooth and controlled movement, you don't want to be popping up and down. You have much better balance (especially in turns) when you stay down into the knees and move forward with a 'heel lead' - ie: not a flat foot (stomp, stomp, stomp).
- LIFT UP & OUT! - from the rib cage, lift up & extend the arms out into a wide frame to encase the lady. VIP to keep the head weight back, or everything will collapse forward & down. *This is one of the very most important things to accomplish. Leading will be so much easier and more effective by mastering these 2 key points - lift up & out, and keep the head weight back.
>> Outside to Inside Corte
- On the 3rd step (when you step back into the 1st Corte) - guys - you want to position the girl to step forward 'outside' of you on your R side. To do this, just turn your body slightly to the L (*from the waist only). This will create a space thru which the lady can step forward to come along your R side.
- When you shift your weight forward, let your L foot slide up behind your R, and at the same time 'snap' your frame to the R - that will turn your partner into promenade position.
- Then, unwind (by turning yourself leftward) - but keep the frame!! That will bring the lady forward & coming around you rather than getting stuck behind your R hip. *Turn your frame to the L now to get her to face you - before stepping back into the Inside Corte. Then shift weight forward onto your R foot, and . .
- Forward, Side, Drag
** Ladies - ** to be a great follower >> keep your head weight back over your left foot at all times, and elbows forward (not drooping). Also, stay down into your knees so that you can take those amazing long steps that will make you look so graceful and powerful in the Tango dance.
On the last week of dance lessons We have a "wrap up party". Dance classes are not open to the public – members or guests only.
All students bring a food item – ie: appetizers, quartered sandwiches, veggies, or whatever. All foods are placed on tables at the front, and everyone helps themselves buffet style at intermission.
Students can bring their own water, pop, or juice.
