The Definitions of Tango
Definition: Pulling
Tango Pulling or Pulling in Tango occurs when we use both our arms as either a Lead or a Follow. In the case of the Lead, they may pull with their Left arm and hand, and/or at the same time with their Right hand, forearm, bicep. The Follower usually only pulls with their Right hand and arm.
Definition: Pivot
Usage. A Pivot from a Tango Perspective is very similar to its literal dictionary cognate with a minor difference. The difference in this case is where that turn or oscillation happens. Typically when we’re talking about a Tango Pivot, we’re referring to the entire body rotating over a singular axial point.
Definition: Passive Follower
Typically this phrase is used to describe a less than desirable Follower, when in reality the Passive Follower is a way of describing a noble state of Following and really what happens most of the time in the role of the Follower.
Definition: Tango Baggage
The community you dance in regularly where you see the same people, dance with the same people, once or twice a week at minimum, and more if you’re studying with the same teachers they study with. You see them so much that Cabeceo as an art form has been reduced to “Hey!”, and off you go! This is what some might call ‘Familiarity’.
Definition: Tension
Usage. With regards to Argentine Tango almost no one talks about Physiological Tension in any way, shape, or form that exists within the Embrace (all forms of the Embrace). Most people use a good deal of Tension in their embrace whether they’re conscious of it or not. (See Tango Haptics, Level 4)
Definition: 7 Basic Moves
7 Basic Moves. There are seven basic moves to Argentine Tango from which the dance is derived. In order, and sequence, they are 1.) Forward Steps. 2.) Side Steps. 3.) Back Steps. 4.) Forward/Back Ochos (all 8 varieties included). 5.) Follower’s Giro/Lead Giro (all 8 varieties included)….
Definition: Constriction
There is a ‘firm’ embrace, and then there is Constriction within the embrace. Constriction in this definition refers to bodily compression usually with the forearms, biceps, and hands creating pressure and compression against, and around your partner’s body (at the bra line or at about the 7th/8th Thoracic) thereby (so the thinking goes) constraining their motion.
Definition: La Marca
La Marca can be, but is not limited to, as a way for a Lead (the person, not the action) to denote that X is to be done at A. Where X can be, but is not limited to, an Ocho, the Follower’s Molinete, an Argentine Cross, etc. Where Y can be, but is not limited to a specific beat, a musical pause, the ending of a musical paragraph, an accent note, a sincopa, la variacion…etc. It can be, and usually is, entirely musical in it’s application.
Definition: Pushing
Pushing. According to Webster’s Dictionary the word ‘Push’ is a verb that means “to exert force on (someone or something), typically with one’s hand, in order to move them away from oneself or the origin of the force”. It comes from the middle english word (1250 – 1300) ‘pushen’. Pushing is the adjective form, and generally means the same thing. Generally. 😉
Definition: Active Follower
What is an Active Follower ? The answer is multifaceted: 1.) The ability to change X into Y with the barest hint, the slightest movement, and make the Lead believe that it was their idea the entire time without interrupting the lead. 2.) The ability to turn on and off, as though it were a switch, the musical accompaniment of patter, milonga, or an adornment, or an embellishment, and to place a movement that may not have been led but does fit within the motion that is being…
Definition: Disassociation
Usage. Disassociation from a Tango Perspective isn’t that far from it’s dictionary cognate, because there is a break from the whole, as in the whole body. Typically when we talk about Tango Disassociation we are referring to the top half of the body (head, torso, arms, shoulders) rotating to the left or to the right, as one unit, around the spinal column of the dancer, independently of the lower half of the body (hips, thighs, knees, ankles, and feet).
Definition: Pronate/Supinate
Usage. In the case of Pronation it is a telltale sign that the dancer (lead or follow) has an unconscious lack of control and precision in their motions between the steps (sometimes referred to as a ‘dangling’ foot) which also speaks to their lack of detailed work that must occur at all points along a step and movement.