[Tango-L] The Cross :: To unwind, or not to unwind, that is the question...

[Alex]

Steve:

As I completed my post, what you wrote below dawned on me ... eventually (as
more responses come in) I expect the majority to say that the uncrossing
should be led ... or not led (led to "stay" crossed if you will) ...
depending on the multitude of possibilities, the individual dancers, the
music being danced to and musicality of the dancers, other dancers in close
proximity and on and on ... just like everything else in tango ...

The point is, I realized the uncrossing should be led, the follower should
be attuned to the leader's intention to lead/suggest a side (or back) step,
or an unwinding pivot, or whatever ... and uncross if she needs to ...

Thanks for your thoughts ... it will be interesting to get more from the
list ...

Alex

________________________________________
From: steve pastor [mailto:tang0man2005 at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 1:02 PM
To: alex at tangofuego.us; tango-l at mit.edu
Subject: Re: [Tango-L] The Cross :: To unwind, or not to unwind, that is the
question...

Alex:
 
"When her right foot is crossed behind, it makes a forward or side step
awkward if not impossible, and the only option is a back step (for her)."
I'd have to disagree with this statement, but it depends to a large amount 
on how well your partner, and you dance. Her right leg, which is behind
her left, ideally should be available to follow your lead.
 
You can play with this yourself by standing in the "crossed" position. If
all
of your weight is on your left foot, (as it should be if it was a weight
change 
onto that foot) the right foot and leg is free to move: first a bit
backwards, 
then to your right as it clears your right heel. From there you have
addtional
possibilities, including just collecting.
 
So, you could say this involves moving the foot back, but not taking a step
back. These kinds of movements can add a lot of variety to your dance.
 
The woman does this same sequence on her own if she "unwinds" without
being led.
 
You should also be able to lead it, given enough connection and technique
on both of your parts.
 
What is it the majority is supposed to say?