Video #7 in my Series on Technique for Dancing Argentine Tango, speaks briefly about pivoting and your pivotability as a follow.
In this video, the exercise speaks primarily to pivoting in forward ochos in relationship to a barre. Remembering that I, as a follower, do not pivot my direction on Auto Pilot. YES, I am in charge of my pivot, thus I am pivotable, but the leader is still in charge of WHERE or THE DIRECTION that pivot will go.
I think that sometimes we are so excited to get an exercise to practice but then we forget that it’s a couple’s dance! So still important to work on pivoting with a partner.
Highlights here are 1) pivotability: are you able to pivot on your STANDING LEG 2) are you pivoting on the balls of your feet? towards the front of your foot? 3) do you have balance? 4) how much control over that “free” or unweighted leg do you have? too much? too little? 5) it’s still a walk – all rules apply!
Next video – can you guess?
Video #8 – Back ochos – pivoting back!
As always if you’re enjoying the videos – please let me know! and As always – something on your mind? A topic or situation that I haven’t talked about yet? LET ME KNOW!!!! I am always in need of ideas and excuses to be in front of the camera!
Thank you for the video. I like how you suggest for dancers to explore the range of options, from pivoting with bent knees to straight legs.
How did you attach the elastic bands to your shoes?! That looks very interesting. Tiny straps and holes, with cheap little buckles can cause such frustration. I can see how decorative or even simply colored elastic straps could be highly effective for quickly putting on and taking off heel shoes.
Thank you! I didn’t attach elastics to my shoes – they come like this!!!! But I chose them for their heel placement! I normally wouldn’t pick these colors!!! https://danceaffairshamburg.com/index.php/tanzschuhe/tango/pb-modell-1590-silber.html Thank you!