New Social Tango Variations
Richard Powers
ROCKING MEDIA LUNA ("Salsa Media Luna")
After slow walking backing the woman, he rocks quick forward R, replaces quick back L, then steps back
slow L. Timing is QQ-S. Then he rocks quick back R, replaces quick forward L, then steps forward slow R. QQ-S. She dances opposite.
ROCKING PROMENADE
Promenade forward two slow steps then quickly rock forward LOD then rock back, instead of doing a
side-close. Why? It's a little easier to follow. One early description called this version the NIP-UP.
In Promenade Position, the Rocking Media Luna becomes FOLLOW'S OCHO AT HIS RIGHT SIDE.
She can
swivel back to end in Right Side Position during the quick steps and cross over in front (Ocho) on the
slow count. Then she swivels to face forward on the repeat. His steps are the same Salsa Media Luna.
Fred Astaire's ROCK & CORTE
After slow walking backing the woman 2 steps, he steps quick L forward, rocks quick R back, steps
slow L farther back, stopping, then rocks slow right forward. Repeat the QQ-S-S pattern. She steps opposite.
MOLINETE TANGO CHASSEZ
In closed position, the lead steps slow L forward, rocks slow R back, then takes a very small
side L and close R to L with weight, Q-Q, as he passes her farther toward his left, rotating as
a couple CCW. This then flows smoothly into a repeat of the same four steps. End with a
slow L forward and slow R back.
Leading hint: He looks strongly toward his left when he's passing her toward his left on the Q-Q.
CRADLE DIP
Begin a Forward Promenade. He starts to lead the forward held hands INTO the frame during
the second step, as his R arm slips down her L arm to open 2-hand hold. She turns left, CCW,
during the 3 and 4th steps. Then both lunge (or sway) forward on outside feet (his L, her R)
in Cradle Position. Timing is the classic S-S-QQ-S.
Hint: A rare verbal lead may be effective, with him quietly saying "Dip" or "Lunge" as she
is turning in to face him. Why? Because otherwise she would expect to just walk forward on
the 5th step, and it feels weird to be dragged down to the floor from behind once you've already
committed to taking a forward step.
At the dip you're on the "wrong" foot, so just rise (push back up) and unwind from
Cradle. She will probably need to take a 4th step in unwinding, to get her R foot free, so sway
back against LOD at the last moment to help her do this.
RISE AND UNWIND INTO A TANGO DIP
As you push back up to standing, he brings his L hand IN to wind her in CCW, then looping
her head with his L hand to a Side Tango Dip. A version of that was the finale of the "Scent of a Woman" tango.
Hint: He places his freed R hand on her back the moment he sees it, then she raises her
left elbow and rolls into a Tango Dip.
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