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
More dance descriptions
Dance music discography, classes, dance thoughts and more on the Home Page