12 fundamental techniques of tango
The 12 fundamental techniques of tango is a rubric designed to help beginners know what to pay attention to as they learn. It was created at Oxygen Tango in the 2010s by Mitra Martin in collaboration with other Oxygen teachers. For a few years competence in these techniques in both roles was the basis of advancement to intermediate classes.
Competent | Not competent | |
---|---|---|
Alignment | Tilting, off-balance | Standing straight, balanced, feet underneath you |
Frontality | Offset or unpredictable spacing | Continuous facing from hips up, hold partner in front of you |
Stillness | Moving all the time | Able to wait, pause for as many as 8 beats |
Leader’s Intention | Moves without inviting follower first | Invites follower to extend, before moving |
Extension | Moves whole body at once | Uses base leg to stretch free leg, before committing weight |
Following, vs. Guessing | Mentally guessing where to be and what to do | Kinaesthetically feeling what’s needed to stay with leader |
Follower’s Power | Moving passively, timidly, or without energy; overly small steps | Making decisive, active steps once committed - moving with conviction |
Follow the Follower | Leader steps to a pre-determined location | Steps to a place that factors in follower’s interpretation of lead |
Floorcraft | Unable to manage couple’s location in space/in relation to other couples | Able to advance in a single lane without passing, bumping, or stalling others |
The Pivot Before The Step | Incomplete pivots, extra pivots, stepping before pivot is completed, pivoting without balance, pivoting with legs apart | A balanced pivot with legs together that prepares lower body for step |
Quality of Embrace | Tense arms, arms press down, gripping with hands, slack hands | Arms and hands are light, supporting presence that is comfortable for partner |
Rhythms | Moving without reference to music | Steps generally land on the downbeat, and sometimes uses double-times |