The Art of Connection: Advanced Tango Leading and Following

Tango is a dance that is all about connection – between the leader and follower, between the music and the movement, and between the dancers themselves. As you progress in your tango journey, you may find that the connection between you and your partner becomes more nuanced, more subtle, and more powerful. In this post, we'll explore some advanced techniques for leading and following in tango, and how to cultivate that deep connection with your partner.

Leading: The Art of Guiding

As a leader, your role is to guide your partner through the dance, using your body, your energy, and your intuition to create a sense of flow and movement. Here are some advanced techniques to help you refine your leading skills:

Use your axis: Your axis is the vertical line that runs through the center of your body. Keep your axis stable and strong, and use it to guide your partner's movement. This will help you maintain control and precision in your leading.
Play with tension and release: Tango is a dance that thrives on tension and release. As a leader, you can use your body to create tension and release, which will help your partner feel the music and respond to your guidance. Try experimenting with different levels of tension and release to see what works best for you.
Use your arms and hands: Your arms and hands are powerful tools for leading. Use them to guide your partner's movement, to provide support and stability, and to communicate your intentions. Experiment with different arm and hand positions to find what works best for you.
Listen to your partner: As a leader, it's essential to listen to your partner and respond to their movements. Pay attention to their energy, their body language, and their musicality. This will help you create a sense of connection and partnership, and will allow you to adapt to their unique style and preferences.

Following: The Art of Trust

As a follower, your role is to trust your leader and respond to their guidance. Here are some advanced techniques to help you refine your following skills:

Trust your leader: Trust is the foundation of a strong tango partnership. Trust that your leader knows what they're doing, trust that they're guiding you with intention and purpose, and trust that you'll respond to their movements with precision and accuracy.
Listen to the music: The music is the heartbeat of tango. Listen to its rhythm, its melody, and its energy. Allow the music to guide your movements, and use it to inform your responses to your leader's guidance.
Use your core: Your core is the powerhouse of your body. Engage your core muscles to generate power, control, and precision in your movements. This will help you respond to your leader's guidance with confidence and authority.
Play with improvisation: Tango is a dance that thrives on improvisation. As a follower, you can use your creativity and intuition to respond to your leader's guidance and create your own unique movements. Experiment with different improvisational techniques to find what works best for you.