Get a Kick Out of Tango

This is the slowest, clearest set of basic ganchos you're going to find. Watch especially how the man takes his time and the woman doesn't hurry either.

And nobody's doing a backbend to make it happen. Easy stuff.

And for all those who are curious about milonga (the fast, polka-like version of tango), here's a nice song called Milonga de carnival.
Enjoy!

Refresher and Rivero

Here's a video for those who want a refresher. Fabian Salas and his partner run through an easy exercise that works on the basic walking skills.
The closeups of the feet, the easy instruction and -- yes -- the repetition will really help clear up any problems.
And here's Salas and Carolina del Rivero showing you where all this practice can take you. Beautiful.

Front Voleo Combined With Back Gancho

This is a very pretty combination that looks especially impressive on the dance floor, and, if everyone's willing, we can give it a try.

Check out the front voleo and back gancho here done in super slow motion.

The one drawback: Your German had better be sharp if you want to understand the narrative. The plus: Turn off the speakers; you don't need to listen to the dancer.

Ocho Adornos for the Woman

We were experimenting with ocho cortados the other week, and the follower can do quite a bit of "styling" when it comes to this move. Watch Lisette's feet as she moves around Homer's axis.

If you're still working on the basics, scroll to the bottom of this blog for instant video lessons in walking and partner connection.

Woman-on-Man Voleo

Here's the video for the voleo that's instigated by the woman. My apologies to Tim; I remembered this as starting from a sandwich, and it actually takes off from a secada. Oh, well, no one fell, and maybe with a few more glasses of wine, it may have become a new move.

No wonder it felt awkward.

Also, tango is all about the yin and yang of partners. Most of the real fun of tango comes when you start to play with the music and with your partner. What does that mean?

Take a look at how Alex and Luz dance this slow tango. Notice how they both take their time.
Enjoy -- and try it!

Sandwich and Double Gancho

Ignore the fact that this video is in Spanish; this couple shows a very clear variation on the "sandwich" that features not one gancho, but two – inside and outside.
It looks great, and you've already got the basics down.

Here's a refresher on how to do a "sandwich."

Beginners: Scroll to the bottom of this blog; you'll see three "instant" videos that have to do with posture, walking and basic moves.

Leg Wraps Made Easy

Many were curious about leg wraps. Here is an excellent demo from Homer and Cristina, showing (slowly, thank you very much) how to do this fairly simple move.

Notice the woman is always on her own balance; she's not really leaning on the man almost at all.