[Tango-L] The Suggested Lead

[Keith]

TFH,

I think we all agree that the longer the step, the greater the lowering action. This is simple body mechanics. However, your description 
of the lead seems to be that the lowering action takes place, and is completed, before the commencement of the step. I.e. the amount of 
lowering directly leads the length of the step. I don't think I agree with this approach. 

Yes, the actual commencement of the step will be preceded by some lateral and lowering movement of the body, i.e. the lead. However, and 
especially in the case of a long step, the lateral and lowering movement of the body will accompany the step. What this means is that the 
lateral movement of the body will determine the length of the step. The lowering movement is simply necessary to accomplish the length of 
the step and to assist in its lead.

For the man to lead an 18 inch step, he must move his body 18 inches. In your previous post, you said a man could lead an 18 inch step 
but then, due to a mis-reading of the lead by the woman, change his own step to a 12 inch step. I still don't see how this is possible. 
If the man moves his body 18 inches and then steps 12 inches, he's going to be way off balance and, in turn, will pull the woman off 
balance. Of course, what would actually happen is that the man might intend to lead an 18 inch step but, when he feels the woman's foot 
go down after 12 inches, he changes his lead to match the woman's step. But that means he never actually led the 18 inch step and 
everyone is happy.

Keith, HK


On Thu Dec 27  0:54 , Tango For Her  sent:

>We have all learned that a short step is lead by raising your center and a long step is lead by lowering when you are in the pivot much 
like you would do if you had to push a car.  You have to lower your center of gravity.  
>   
>  In my terminology, on a macro level, there are three things you can do in tango, you can do a side step, back step, front step and 
pivot.  I mention this because I tend to overuse the word pivot.  By pivot, in this conversation, I don't mean to turn.  It is that place 
where your feet are together.  
>   
>  As you are together, with your feet together, and you bend the knee of the leg on which you are standing, she knows something is 
coming.  Waiting with baited breath :o) she knows a long step may be coming.
>