Partnering Technique: Creating Dynamics

Understanding the range of our own axis and the axis of our partner is a prerequisite for being able to use the movement of the axis as a tool. In this video, Sara&Ivan show you how to use the edges of your axis in all the main directions, as well as the position of the body and the partner work required to make the edge of axis position functional and comfortable. Sara and Ivan call these magical axis positions ‘loading’. Working with loading feels like being on a fun carnival ride – give it a try!

We use loading to create better flow, round out the edges of the movement and also smooth out the transitions between different parts of the step. Understand how loading works by practicing this example step. Enjoy the ride!

In addition to flow and smooth transitions, Loading can be used to create a momentum-type energy that dissipates over time. Loading is a perfect technique for use in social settings when a gentle acceleration is desirable, for elegant styling, melody-dominant music and particularly for Valse.
Play with Loading and discover a whole new side of your axis!

Going beyond the edge of the axis, we find ourselves in new territory – off-axis movement. Off-axis movement is defined as a position we are able to sustain only by counterbalancing each other’s weight. Colgadas are off-axis positions where we are counterbalancing away from a common center. In this video, Sara and Ivan show you the proper technique for entering Colgadas in the forward, side and back positions.

A Volcada is an off-axis position where we counterbalance towards a common center. In this video Sara and Ivan show you the proper technique for entering comfortable and safe Volcadas.

In order to accelerate, we need to build more energy in our bodies which we then have to translate into movement. Discover your ability to accelerate by going through these simple and effective exercises with Sara&Ivan!

The first and simplest examples of accelerations happen when we create embellishments as leaders and followers. In this video, Sara and Ivan give you different examples of individual accelerations which happen inside of the fabric of the dance. These accelerations do not affect your partner, and are great to practice building power in the body.

Once we manage our own bodies by learning how to create individual accelerations, the next step is to figure out how we can create accelerations and slow-motion movements as a couple, without using force. Here, the focus is on a simpler, linear movement as a preparation for the rotated, more complex one.

Accelerating the turn, or parts of it, is one of the most challenging skills for tango dancers. Turns are inherently complex, and having to communicate and execute timing changes only increases the difficulty level. In this video, Sara & Ivan show you how to break down a Giro and then change the timing of it in interesting and unusual ways.
Your turns will never be the same again!

ccelerations and changes of direction are the building blocks of improvised lead and follow Boleos. In this video, Sara & Ivan break down the principles behind Boleos, and give you examples and exercises to understand them in a simple and easy way.

Boleos are like snowflakes - no two are ever alike, simply because if they are really led and followed, the exact mixture of acceleration and change of direction is difficult to reproduce. In this lesson, Sara & Ivan show you a variety of Boleos as examples of different possibilities.
Now it's your turn to shape your own dance!

Ganchos are, in essence, interrupted Boleos. But don’t forget about the directions! Making crisp, comfortable Ganchos is our goal in this video!

The ultimate in lead and follow – shaping the path of the follower’s free leg! With this skill, everything will become easy, even the most complex steps. Shaping the path opens up limitless possibilities for the couple, and is the final step in the progression of leading and following skills.