Monday, June 22, 2009

Tango - Spanish Drag

(And two in one day to get us back on track!)

One of the iconic tango moves, a Spanish Drag is very simple in terms of the footwork, but can often be done in a very sloppy way. To ensure that it is done properly, you need to be very aware of your frame and body connection as well as have a good idea about the affects your movements have on your partner.

Leaders'/Men's Footwork

All the Spanish Drag requires is a Slow count step to the side on your Left foot, keeping the knee bent in a lunge like position, and then a returning of the Right foot together with the Left on a second Slow count. Shape your upper body with a slight lift on the Left side and use your head position to look over your partner's Left shoulder.

Followers'/Lady's Footwork

Quite simply, you take a step to the side on your Right foot, into a lunge position for one Slow count. You then close your feet together using the Left foot to close to the Right on a second Slow count. Your Right knee should be in contact with your partner's leg during this step and there is a shaping that will extend the Right side of your upper body.

Notes for both the Leader and the Follower:
(I havent included foot diagrams as the step itself is something created through the rest of the body.)

- Too often this is done with a huge bend at the waist to make the upper body more dramatic. This will only lead to messy dancing and the potential to hurt your partner if you wrench their back or side too far. When you stand normally in tango hold, simply think of lifting out of the waist and elongating the Left side of your body for men, or Right side of your body for Ladies. There should be no collapsing on the opposite side... if you have to bend the opposite side, you have shaped too much!

- Be sure to maintain contact with your partner throughout this move, it is the movement as one unit that makes it impressive to watch.

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