EARLY BUENOS AIRES TANGO
"The true Argentine Tango, the one and only"
as described by Nicanor Lima, Buenos Aires, circa 1914.
Just a few of 50 figures and 125 variations described in this illustrated tango manual.
Reconstructed by Richard Powers


Men's steps are described below. Women dance opposite unless otherwise noted.

I

PASOS PASEOS SERENOS   Man walks fwd L and R.  Timing: S S.

SALTITO #3   Man chassés diagonal L; closes R to L cutting R toe under heel; steps fwd L.  Timing: QQ S

MEDIA LUNA "VAI VEN"   Man touches R fwd w/o weight, sweeping in a crescent arc around to the right side; takes a small step back R; touches R back; takes a small step fwd L.  Timing: S S S S.

MEDIA LUNA "MENDOCINA"   Grapevine toward the center of the hall thus: Man crosses R over L; steps side L; crosses R behind L; steps side L; approaches R to L (not quite closing).  Timing: S S S QQ.
Returning: Man crosses L behind R; side R; crosses L over R; side R; approaches L to R.  Same timing.


II

PASOS PASEOS SERENOS   Man steps back R; walks fwd L, R, L.  Timing: S S S S

EL OCHO   Both cross-step toward the center of the hall then back thus: Man crosses R over L; steps side L; approaches R to L.  Timing: S QQ.  Repeat opposite.

MOLINETE (Rueda)   Man crosses R tightly over L, rises on balls of both feet and slowly turns in place CCW for 4 slow counts while the lady does a grapevine around him: She crosses L over R; side R; crosses L behind R; side R.

SALIDA   Man crosses R over L toward LOD as lady crosses L over R; face partners in closed position, man facing LOD, as man steps fwd L toward LOD; steps side R; closes L to R; steps back R.  Timing: S S QQ S


© 2000, 2010 Richard Powers



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