Hi everybody, Fran here with your Tango Tip of the Week. Today. we’re going to complete our discussion of balance in the context of “linear” movement by talking about el paso atras (the backward step) for the leader as he accompanies the follower’s forward step.

El paso atras

Let me start by observing that the leader’s back step is one of the most dangerous moves in Tango. If a leader steps backward on a crowded dance floor without carefully checking what’s behind him first, he can inflict very serious damage on the follower to his rear. In Buenos Aires, one hardly ever sees a leader’s backward step during a social dance. Even in our country, where the dance floors are generally not as crowded, backward movement on the part of leaders must be treated with extreme caution in order to avoid problems.

Bearing this in mind, let’s talk about the specifics of inviting a follower to move forward, as the leader accompanies her with his backward step:

1.     Begin once again by forming a comfortable embrace with your partner. Be sure that you’re both solidly balanced on two feet.

2.     As a leader, gradually shift to one foot (either one is fine), leading your follower to also shift her weight to that side. If at the end of this movement, you’re both in balance on one foot, you’re ready for the next invitation/response.

3.     As a leader, flex your knees slightly in order to lower or soften your torso — thereby indicating to your partner that you’re about to invite movement through space. Now, gently, but decisively, take a backward step. This means moving your whole self — including your torso and leg at the same time directly away from her space. Make certain that you don’t pull your follower forward with your right hand. Soften this hand as you move, and let her respond to the backward movement of your torso. If it takes a moment or two for her to get the job done, wait. There’s no rush. As with taking either a side or forward step, concentrate on bringing yourself into solid, upright balance at the end of the movement. Such conscious effort will help make certain you don’t end up falling backward or to the side as you complete your step.

4.     As a follower, when you receive the leader’s invitation, take a confident forward step directly into his space. Don’t worry about stepping on his toes, because he’s going to get his feet out of your way. (If he doesn’t, that’s his problem, not yours. Be brave!)

5.     As with other traveling movements, under no circumstances should the leader attempt to rush his follower into another step until he is absolutely certain that she’s balanced and ready to continue. To repeat something I keep saying in these posts, the follower, must have the opportunity to bring herself into balance — without having to worry about what’s going to happen next.

6.     At the conclusion of your forward/backward movement, hold this balanced position as a couple for fifteen seconds. Whether you’re the leader or follower, try your best not to in any way use the other foot to help out.

With this post, we complete our discussion of the five fundamental “linear” movements; i.e., forward, backward, sideward, and in-place steps — plus the pause. Next week, we’re going to discuss the invitation/response for the pivot, which opens the door to many of Tango’s more advanced movements and figures. In keeping with our current theme, we’ll concentrate on the challenge of achieving and maintaining balance throughout this very advanced movement.

As always, if you have any questions with any of these movements, feel free to ask Pat or me. We're very happy to help.