Wednesday’s online class focused on technique relating to the Ocho Cortado, which also incorporates the previous week’s Rock Step. This week’s video details exercises for refining the elements as well as showing the leaders’ and followers’ steps.

Tips For Followers:

• Make sure to follow the leader’s shoulders to avoid over-turning in the side pivot before the cross and keep some weight in the toe of your right foot
• Use the rotation in the hips to pivot back from the side step into a neat cross
• Try out the adornments in the video. The double step needs to be executed in double time so as to keep in time with the lead and music
• Change weight immediately when you cross to ensure a clean resolution step

Tips for Leaders:

• Give a clear lead when coming out of the rock step into the side pivot
• The timing: accent on 1,2,3 – accent on 4,5,6 should translate as rock step, forward – side, return, cross for your partner (back step instead of forward and collect instead of cross for the leader
• Leaders can also try crossing back instead of collecting when the follower crosses, before the resolution

Anyone who would like to contribute towards the time and cost of running free live classes and online videos can do so here: Donations

I will be giving another 40-minute free online Tango class via Zoom on Wednesday 6th April at 12 Noon.

We will be working on key technique exercises for leaders and followers, as well as space-friendly sequences suitable both for couples and those practising on their own.

Anyone can join, simply by clicking on the link below:

• Join Zoom Meeting:
  https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75393779778

Meeting ID: 753 9377 9778

Topic: Tangolicious Argentine Tango Class
Time: May 6, 2020 12:00 PM London

• Anyone who would like to contribute towards the time and cost of running free live classes and online videos can do so here: Donations

I look forward to seeing you!

This Wednesday at 12pm Noon, I will again be teaching a free Argentine Tango technique class with exercises for leaders and followers, as well as relevant space-friendly sequences for any couples present.

Just click on the new link below to join, and please do bear with me if there are any technical issues in the first minute or two!

Topic: Tangolicious Argentine Tango Class
Time: Apr 29, 2020 12:00 PM London

• Join Zoom Meeting:
  https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75393779778

Meeting ID: 753 9377 9778

• Anyone who would like to contribute towards the time and cost of running free live classes and online videos can do so here: Donations

I look forward to seeing you!

Following on from Wednesday’s live class, I’m posting the leaders’ and followers’ rock steps (rebotes) on both sides as well as several variations with crossing adornments.

• Leaders, try to achieve a smooth yet elastic rock or “rebote”
• Allow the follower to shift their weight back fully
• Maintaining  a firm hand on the follower’s back helps to mark  the return
• Lead a tight forward half “ochito” or mini ocho to exit the second rock step where a side step is not possible for the follower.

• Followers, keep your half ocho small and precise
• Keep square to the leader and avoid over-stepping them
• Respond to the rock step lead smoothly and with elasticity
• Don’t pull with energy in the back, feel and follow the spring in the lead

I will be teaching a free 40 minute technique class for leaders and followers of all levels, via Zoom – this Wednesday 22nd April from 12 noon.

• To join, please use the following link:

• Reminder: do make sure you’re camera and mic are set up before the start of the class, so that we can communicate during the class and for me to provide technique feedback as we go.

• Anyone who would like to contribute towards the time and cost of running free live classes and online videos can do so here: Donations

Thank You!

Terms & Conditions:

• This class is for age 18 and above
• By taking part in the class, you are doing so at your own risk
• If you have any injuries, please let me know in advance

This week’s video shows a simple exercise for pivots and turns, including the addition of back crosses. Lapiz (or dibujo) practice is also included, drawing circles with the toe both on the spot and turning.

Points to remember:

• Always pivot on the ball of only one foot, the first foot to step
• Collect with the other foot, but without weight
• Keep ankles, knees and thighs together during the pivot
• Shoulders are relaxed, the neck is long, chin straight
• Pull down shoulder blades and engage abs, feel this triangle connection
• A strong controlled back gives leverage for the dissociation of hips

Online Group & Private Classes: This is something I’m currently working on, so if you are interested in joining an online group class with me, please send me a message or email me to let me know what days and times would be best! Private classes can also be arranged.

I’ve uploaded a new video with simple, essential (and space-saving!) exercises for Argentine tango practice that you can do at home.

The first is an exercise to help with technique for giros or turns to the left and right, that was first shown to me by Lorena Ermocida, the wonderful and world-renowned performer and teacher,  when I took classes with her and the late maestro Osvaldo Zotto in Buenos Aires.

The second is a footwork sequence with crossing and traspie (double or more crossings that give a tripping effect). The sequence broken down goes: plain stepping forwards and back x 2, stepping with cross behind the forward step x 2, stepping with cross in front of the back step x 2 and stepping with crosses on both steps x 2. Then repeat with double crossing or “traspie”.

Enjoy, and please let me know if you have any requests for future videos!

While the usual classes are suspended, I will be uploading practice videos as requested, to Tangolicious Online, my new Youtube Channel. You can see the first video, on basic ocho technique, here:

Some tips for your ocho practice:

• Try to maintain your shoulders facing fowards
• Keep your shoulders relaxed
• Elongate your torso to create space for the hips
• Your back should stay straight, no arching back or ribs
• Always pivot on the ball of one foot only
• Keep your weight on the foot you stepped with until pivot complete
• Do not change weight when you collect
• Remember to collect your feet after stepping
• Ankles, knees and thighs are together when you collect/pivot

If you would like to send me a practice video for commentary or have any questions, please email or message me!

Jane Solomon: 07901551955 – tango167@yahoo.co.uk

The last drop-in tango class of 2019 (general level – all welcome!) is this Friday, 20th December from 7.30-8.30pm.

Venue: Dance Attic, 368 North End Road, SW6 1LY – nearest tubes Fulham Broadway and West Brompton.

Cost: £6 after the class and £2 at reception for day membership to DA

The first class of 2020 will be held on Friday January 3rd.

Happy Christmas/Holidays and New Year to all!

Contact: Jane Solomon – tango167@yahoo.co.uk – 07901551955