As an intermediate tango dancer, you've likely mastered the basics of the dance, but are now looking to take your skills to the next level. One of the most important aspects of tango is the connection between the leader and follower, and mastering the art of leading and following is crucial to improving your overall dance. In this post, we'll explore the key elements of leading and following in tango, and provide tips and exercises to help you improve your skills.
Understanding the Role of the Leader
In tango, the leader is responsible for guiding the follower through the dance. This involves using subtle movements and cues to communicate the direction and pace of the dance. As a leader, it's essential to be aware of your body positioning, posture, and movement, as these will affect the follower's ability to respond to your cues.
- Posture: Keep your posture straight and relaxed, with your shoulders down and your core engaged. This will help you maintain balance and control throughout the dance.
- Body positioning: Keep your body positioned in a way that allows you to see your follower and communicate with them easily. This may involve adjusting your stance or moving your body slightly to create a clearer line of sight.
- Movement: Use subtle movements to guide your follower. Avoid jerky or abrupt movements, as these can be disorienting and difficult to follow. Instead, focus on smooth, flowing movements that allow your follower to respond naturally.
Understanding the Role of the Follower
In tango, the follower is responsible for responding to the leader's cues and movements. This involves using your body to interpret and respond to the leader's signals, while also maintaining your own balance and control. As a follower, it's essential to be aware of your body positioning, posture, and movement, as these will affect your ability to respond to the leader's cues.
- Posture: Keep your posture relaxed and open, with your shoulders down and your core engaged. This will help you maintain balance and control throughout the dance.
- Body positioning: Keep your body positioned in a way that allows you to see the leader and respond to their cues easily. This may involve adjusting your stance or moving your body slightly to create a clearer line of sight.
- Movement: Use your body to respond to the leader's cues and movements. This may involve moving your feet, hips, or torso to create the desired movement. Remember to stay relaxed and fluid, and avoid stiffening up or resisting the leader's movements.
Tips for Improving Your Leading and Following
Here are some tips to help you improve your leading and following skills:
- Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you'll become with your leading and following skills.
- Focus on communication: Remember that leading and following is a form of communication. Focus on using your body to convey your intentions and respond to the leader's cues.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body positioning, posture, and movement, and adjust as needed to maintain balance and control.
- Experiment with different styles: Try out different tango styles and techniques to find what works best for you and your partner.
Exercises to Improve Your Leading and Following
Here are some exercises to help you improve your leading and following skills:
- Leader's exercise: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed by your sides. Move your feet in a slow, circular motion, keeping your upper body still. Focus on using your feet to guide your movements and maintain balance.
- Follower's exercise: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed by your sides. Move your feet in a slow, circular motion, keeping your upper body still. Focus on using your feet to respond to the leader's cues and maintain balance.
- Connection exercise: Stand facing your partner, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed by your sides. Move your feet in a slow, circular motion, keeping your upper body still. Focus on maintaining a strong connection with your partner and using your body to respond to their cues.
Conclusion
Mastery of the art of leading and following is crucial to improving your tango skills. By understanding the role of the leader and follower, practicing effective communication, and experimenting with different styles and techniques, you can take your tango skills to the next level. Remember to always focus on your body positioning, posture, and movement, and to practice regularly to improve your skills. With patience and dedication, you can become a skilled and confident tango dancer.
Happy dancing!
