Becoming a good follower in Argentine Tango requires good balance and solid technique. It will take time and effort to advance in these areas, lots of practice and real world experience.
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to improve your dancing right away. These have more to do with a change in perspective than with the rigorous development of core technique.
In this series, entitled Simple Steps for Better Following, I'll tips that you can apply immediately to enhance the tango experience for both you and your partners.
So, while you're working diligently on those important technical exercises (there's no substitute for good technique!), apply these tips for little taste of "immediate gratification."
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to improve your dancing right away. These have more to do with a change in perspective than with the rigorous development of core technique.
In this series, entitled Simple Steps for Better Following, I'll tips that you can apply immediately to enhance the tango experience for both you and your partners.
So, while you're working diligently on those important technical exercises (there's no substitute for good technique!), apply these tips for little taste of "immediate gratification."
Ensure That Your Embrace is Comfortable and Flexible
If your embrace is uncomfortable, your partners won't enjoy dancing with you, at least not as much as they would like to.
Let the gravity of that statement sink in for a moment. If your embrace is uncomfortable, nothing you can do will make up for the distraction that it causes.
This principle is as true for followers as it is for leaders. Leaders tend to create discomfort with their strength. Followers tend to create discomfort with rigidity or with a dependence on the leader for support.
Are you certain that your embrace is comfortable?
Are there times when you find yourself 'fighting' the lead with physical force?
Do you find yourself hanging from your right hand, especially when pivoting?
Does your left hand get latched to one spot on the leader's arm or back rather than moving freely when he attempts to adjust your position? He won't be able to do lead some figures if you block him or cling to him.
Are you letting the leader position you where he wants you to be, or are you establishing your own position without regard to what his embrace is asking for?
A comfortable embrace is absolutely essential in Argentine Tango, probably more so than in any other partners dance. The improvisational nature of tango requires fluidity and flexibility in the embrace.
Think about the quality of your embrace the next time you're dancing. Be aware of how you are holding your partner. Any evidence of pushing, pulling, hanging, clutching, clinging, wrestling, or blocking his movement can indicate a problem area.
For further benefit, discuss the quality your embrace at your next private lesson or with friends that you trust at your next practica. It's better to ask for suggestions than to assume that you're doing well.
I'd like to extend a special Thank You to my friend Patti for inspiring this series.
If your embrace is uncomfortable, your partners won't enjoy dancing with you, at least not as much as they would like to.
Let the gravity of that statement sink in for a moment. If your embrace is uncomfortable, nothing you can do will make up for the distraction that it causes.
This principle is as true for followers as it is for leaders. Leaders tend to create discomfort with their strength. Followers tend to create discomfort with rigidity or with a dependence on the leader for support.
Are you certain that your embrace is comfortable?
Are there times when you find yourself 'fighting' the lead with physical force?
Do you find yourself hanging from your right hand, especially when pivoting?
Does your left hand get latched to one spot on the leader's arm or back rather than moving freely when he attempts to adjust your position? He won't be able to do lead some figures if you block him or cling to him.
Are you letting the leader position you where he wants you to be, or are you establishing your own position without regard to what his embrace is asking for?
A comfortable embrace is absolutely essential in Argentine Tango, probably more so than in any other partners dance. The improvisational nature of tango requires fluidity and flexibility in the embrace.
Think about the quality of your embrace the next time you're dancing. Be aware of how you are holding your partner. Any evidence of pushing, pulling, hanging, clutching, clinging, wrestling, or blocking his movement can indicate a problem area.
For further benefit, discuss the quality your embrace at your next private lesson or with friends that you trust at your next practica. It's better to ask for suggestions than to assume that you're doing well.
I'd like to extend a special Thank You to my friend Patti for inspiring this series.
¡Buena suerte, amigos, y muchas gracias!
Daniel
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