The Dictionary of Tango
Ochos
Ochos. The word “Ocho” in Spanish, when translated to it’s English cognate, is the number ‘8’. The idea, practice, and activity of Ochos do actually resemble an 8 when done in a very specific way. However, in that methodology and practice, the dancer (not just the Follower!) can and will
No-no Volcada
No-no Volcada. This refers to an error in leading the Volcada that is either forced, pushed, pulled (more likely), and unsupported (most certainly unlikely).
No-No
Tango No-No. These are things that no matter how much training you’ve had you’re going to continue to do this these until, or unless you consciously begin to change your behavior. There are Lead No-No’s, Follower No-No’s, and Dancer No-No’s in any number of ways. What’s below are just some of
Milonguero Turn
In it’s simplest form, the Milonguero Turn is one of the easiest of turns to accomplish with regards to Argentine Tango. It allows of the couple to stay with each other, and allows for an easeful experience vs. the Follower’s Molinete that is the default turn today. And last but
Milonguero Ocho
Milonguero Ochos. These types of Ochos are sometimes referred to as “Lazy” Ochos because the dancer is either led (Follower) or self led (Lead) to extending their legs behind (or in front of !!) themselves, across their body’s natural longitudinal axial meridian. The Milonguero Ocho has NO upper body rotation
Milonga
The word itself has 3 possible definitions as it relates to Argentine Tango. 1.) A Musical Style or Genre which is typically 2 beats in a 4 beat measure time signature. 2.) A particular Style of Dance which matches the style of music. Historically speaking the MUSIC of Milonga (which
Meridian
Refers to the natural body meridian that all human beings have. Sometimes referred to as a ‘gig’ line. It’s the longitudial axiial line of the body which traverses the center point of the head all the way down to floor between the feet of the dancer, slightly in front of
Lead Technique
Lead Technique. Just as in the case of the Follower, the Lead must study their 3 foundational steps: Forward, Side, and Back. This is really about how one takes a step, the visual line that the Lead generates in these 3 steps. In recent years there has been an increase,
Lead Forward Steps
Lead Forward Steps. The Lead has very few steps that they can really show off in, this is the primary step for that to happen. This step is looked upon as the telltale sign that the Lead has studied, knows what they’re doing, and knows how to execute these things.
Lazy Man’s Turn
The Lazy Man’s Turn. When a Lead doesn’t actually lead the Follower’s Molinete but instead infers the Follower’s Molinete and ends up turning themselves ahead of the Follower, rushing ahead of them, thereby leaving Follower behind. Further still, it’s called a Lazy Man’s Turn because the Lead does not actually
La Viruta
‘THE‘ Late night milonga in Buenos Aires that usually goes until 5 am on most days. Most days except Monday nights.