Professional Documents
Culture Documents
“Transitions”
Introduction
In this teacher training session we will define and explore “transitions” in tango and the teaching concepts behind them. We will
cover a few example transitions, games, and special cases. Several of our most useful teaching tips are included at the bottom.
What is a Transition?
In it’s basic form a transition is moving from one embrace to another (i.e. open to close) and can include a change of each partner’s
body position and/or axis tilt. A transition usually starts & ends at the same time. Many experienced dancers use transitions to
move between variations of the standard embrace (open and close) to accomplish basic dance ideas. Transitions can be functional,
dynamic, musical, fun, creative, and add flexibility.
Embrace Terminology
Standard Embrace – A forward facing embrace with each partner in a given body position and axis tilt.
Body Position – The angle between the open and close sides of the embrace (varies from ‘flat’ to a large ‘V’).
Axis Tilt – Line from the ankles thru the chest relative to the floor (can be tilted forward, neutral, or tilted backwards).
Open – No forward (chest/ribs/stomach) body connection (usually with engaged but elastic arms)
Close – A more or less forward facing body connection (can be fixed, hinged, or rolling) thru the chest/ribs/stomach.
Example Transitions
1. Side step (open-close-colgada options) Games/Exercises
2. Back ochos (Vanilla Bean to Mocha Java) 1. Human Magnet w/ & w/o embrace
3. Forward step in turn (open to close; difficult) (develops the basic concept)
4. Forward ocho (open to close; very difficult) 2. Falling Trust Game (mostly for volcadas)
5. Ocho cortado vs. ocho (To Cortado or Not?) 3. Batman & Robin (for step-over colgadas)
6. Transition at The Cross (fwd & back)
7. Side step to promenade (close to open) Special Cases
8. Basic back volcada (very compact/useful) 1. Use wraps to transition (in turns & ochos)
9. Step-over colgada (with L.O.D. pattern) 2. Colgada to volcada (i.e. collapsible volcada)
3. Functional vs. expressive use of a colgada
Teaching Quotes (for boleos, sacadas, wraps, etc)
Cristina - “Focus on the middle of the step.” 4. Non-Standard Embrace Transitions
Homer - “Transition during a transition.” (sweet-heart, etc)
Conclusions
Teaching basic transitions as early as possible broadens whom we can dance with! It allows a tango couple to easily dance in an
open or close embrace with balance and stability. Further developing transitions to include more off-axis concepts
(colgadas/volcadas) and non-standard embrace transitions add functionality, musicality, and creativity to the dance.