Modern Tango World #7 (Havana & the Caribbean)

Tango Moves
Raymond Lauzzana
Promenades — The most common walk in tango is with the partners facing each other, with the
leader walking forward and the follower walking backwards - caminando. However, this is not the only way
in which tango dancers can walk. The dancers can both walk forward side-by-side, as in a walk in the park —
a promenade or paseo. Normally, dancers would only walk in promenade for a few steps, more than
four. But, in canyengue style, they may walk forward together, cheek-to-cheek, throughout the dance. As always,
it is important to dance with the music. In more modern styles, promenade should be used to express
specific musical phrases and always ‘in time’.
Basic Promenade (Paseo)
In all promenades, both partners face the same direction,
side-by-side. Typically, the follower is on the leader’s right side.
The leader’s left and the follower’s right hand may be joined
in front. In this case, the leader’s right arm would be around
the follower’s waist, while the follower’s hand is on leader’s
shoulder as in a normal close embrace. However, both dancers
face the same direction towards the leader’s left hand.
Obviously, there are numerous variations on this position. But,
this is a good basic reference. There are many ways to get to
this position from the zero position. Here are a few.
Sashay (Chassez)
A casual normal walk in whch the active foot collects with
the standing foot as it passes by. The dancers may walk may
be either in parallel or cross system. That is, they may step
together in parallel, on their right, then their left, or they may
step together in cross system, , on the inside feet, then the
outside. Weight is gradually transferred from the standing foot
to the active foot. The next foot is lifted only after the active
foot is loaded and the axis has been transferred to it. This is a
slow smooth walk without a bounce.
American Start (el Americano)
The so-called America Start comes from American Ballroom
dancing. It occurs at the beginning of the dance, when the
couple first embrace, with the leader is facing the outer rim
and the follower is facing towards the center of the dance
floor. The leader initiates the move into a promenade by stepping
with left foot across behind to a toe tap, swivels 90°
counter clockwise on right foot, before stepping forward with
the left foot. The follower steps forward with the right foot in
the direction of the line of dance, Their hips are engaged as
they continue to step forward.
Cut Sidestep (Corte a Lado)
The leader sidesteps left. As the follower steps, the leader
rotates 90° counter-clockwise. The follower opens clockwise
rotating into a promenade position. The follower’s left hand
remains on the leader’s shoulder., with her right hand at her
waist. They both lean back and extend their legs and step
forward. They walk with opposite feet, outside, with outside,
inside with inside — cross system
Outside Swivel (Giro a Fuera)
The leader steps thru in front and across with right foot,
changing weight to left foot that is crossed behind. and swivels
counter clockwise. on the lft foot The follower swivels on right
foot with upper body torque, and then brush steps backward
to a cross. This leads to a promenade, in which both dancers
step with same foot, side-by side — parallel system.
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