Saltitos in Passé drill

Here’s a fast yet simple footwork sequence for saltitos or little jumps in passé. I’ve used rulitos or small circles as adornments for the pivoting back turns in between.

Reminder that the drop-in group class is on every Friday 7.30pm at Dance Attic, 368 North End Road SW6 1LY (£10 + £2 entry).

Fouetté Boleo Drill

A short practice sequence for fouetté boleos –

The fouetté is initiated by the hips changing direction once the leg is extended.

As you change direction with the hips, whip the leg in quickly as if trying to kick your bum. A weighted pointed toe helps add crispness and dynamics.

Foot Exercises For Tango Dancers

Why are foot exercises so important for tango dancers?

Strong metatarsals are needed in order to make the transfer of weight seem effortless. When the foot has a good arch to it and the toes can extend to the floor when stepping, this adds to the quality, artistry and ease of each movement. A pointed foot also helps the whipping movement of boleos, ganchos and patadas.

Here are three of my favourite exercises that strengthen the feet and will help your tango technique:


Saltitos With Cambio de Frente

Here’s a sequence for practising jumps that have a directional change. I’ve used circular rulo adornments between the jumps but you could do them from backward ochos that end with a cross in front, from which you can plie.

If you’ve never done these before, try leaving out the back leg whip and concentrating on the action of the leading leg first.