The Dictionary of Tango

Linear Patter

Social Patter. ‘Patter‘ comes from the colloquial term, ‘Pitter-Patter‘ which means, according to Webster’s dictionary: “a sound as of quick light steps or taps“. And that’s exactly what this is. It’s a series of quick, light, steps in quick succession. Usually from done led on the Follower. However, the Lead

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Passive Follower

The Passive Follower is not what you think they are. This is a misnomer in terms. In short, it’s a Follower who has ‘mastered‘ their foundation, in exacting detail with near-perfect execution. In this state they follow exactly what was led, and do not embellish, or adorn in any way, shape,

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Molinete

The Molinete. The word “Molinete” comes from the root Spanish word “Molino” which loosely translates to English as ‘Grind’, or more appropriately, ‘Mill’, as in a “Windmill”. As far as Argentine Tango is concerned the word refers to what is common to most social dances, a ‘Grapevine Turn’. This is

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Ocho Cortado

Ocho Cortado. The word “Cortado” translates from Spanish to English as “cutted“, which makes no sense. An Ocho or 8 Cutted doesn’t translate very well as a literal cognate. So we need to move it around a bit. So “Ocho Cortado” when translated becomes “Cut Ocho” or “Sliced Ocho“. The ‘Cortado’ is

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