[Tango-L] how to lead (was 'weight change')

[Tom Stermitz]

On Apr 28, 2008, at 10:01 AM, Oleh Kovalchuke wrote:

> In the way I dance tango, weight shifting per se is not a lead at all.
>
> I lead the follower by moving her body axis.
>
> As long as I don't move her axis, I can do all kind of steps with my
> feet: shift weight, do grapevine, whatever, and my partner will not
> step ...
>
> Your dance style might differ. And its OK.
> --  
> Oleh Kovalchuke
> Argentine Tango : Connection, Balance, Rhythm
> http://tangospring.com

Oleh also points out that you can disassociate your legs from your  
body, which opens up a whole bunch of possibilities to prevent or ask  
for a weight change.

Of course, there are multiple methods of causing her to change weight,  
from coarse to sublime:
  - leader changes weight
  - follower steps on the slow beat unless prevented
  - leader shifts axis
  - leader lifts shoulder (uggh!)
  - leader bends axis
  - leader settles hips
  - leader pushes hips out
  - leader rotates (spirals)
  - leader rotates (pivots)
  - leader lifts and set down follower with arm
  - leader uses tummy to lift and set down
  - leader uses hands to move follower

The good leader uses multiple techniques at the same time, which can  
make the lead extremely subtle, yet extremely clear.

Some of the above techniques could feel really bad if too large or in  
isolation, but as part of the whole gestalt of "weight change", they  
are all viable or useful depending on the situation. I think the only  
one I really don't use is the shoulder lift or the bending axis. In my  
tango I don't like an axis that buckles. Some tango dancers do use  
movement ideas from swing dancing, which includes a bending axis.

FOOTFALLS

As for the thought that a good follower or leader can always feel  
their partner's footsteps.

An excellent dancer can soften the weight change and maintain a stable  
enough axis that their partner can't feel it. This is difficult at the  
highest levels, but good axis control and quality of weight change is  
a characteristic of all the great dancers I know.

As for the footfall itself... that deserves a world of technique in  
itself.


Tom Stermitz
Denver Tango Festivals
http://LaEternaMilonga.com
Denver, CO 80207