You’ve nailed the basics of Tango—the walk, the embrace, the rhythm. Now it’s time to level up. As an intermediate dancer, mastering these five moves will add flair, musicality, and confidence to your social dancing. Let’s dive in.
1. The Sacada (Displacement)
Sacadas are all about playful leg interactions. The leader gently “invades” the follower’s space, displacing their leg with a smooth transfer of weight. Key tips:
- Keep it subtle—no forceful kicks!
- Focus on axis and connection rather than speed.
- Try it from crosses or ochos for variety.
2. Gancho (Hook)
This dramatic leg hook adds spice to your dance. Followers: let your leg swing freely from the hip. Leaders: create the momentum with your torso, not arms. Pro tip: Practice with slow, controlled movements first—ganchos look best when they’re organic, not forced.
3. Volcada (Leaning Figure)
A beautiful off-axis move where the follower leans into the leader’s support. Essentials:
- Maintain a solid frame—this is a shared balance, not a dip.
- Start small; over-leaning is a common beginner mistake.
- Pair it with a resolution like a cross or pivot for flow.
4. Barrida (Sweep)
Often called “the sweep,” this move involves one partner’s foot gently pushing the other’s along the floor. It’s all about finesse:
- Keep pressure light—think “suggestion” not “shove.”
- Sync with pauses in the music for maximum effect.
- Followers: stay light on your supporting leg for smooth transitions.
5. Colgada (Outward Swing)
The daring cousin of the volcada, colgadas involve swinging outward from the embrace. Safety first:
- Both partners must engage their core for counterbalance.
- Start in close embrace before trying open positions.
- Use sparingly—it’s a punctuation mark, not a whole sentence.
Final Advice: These moves thrive on connection, not complexity. Drill them slowly with trusted partners before taking them to the milonga. And remember—Tango is a conversation. Listen to your partner, the music, and the space around you. ¡Que disfrutes el baile!
