Leading with the Hands in Tango: Myths and Misunderstandings
Argentine Tango, with its intricate steps and deep cultural roots, is a dance of connection, emotion, and precision. However,
many misconceptions about the role of the hands in leading can hinder the dance's natural flow and beauty.
This article analyzes these myths, clarifies misunderstandings, and provides insights to enhance your Tango experience.
The Myth of the Hands as the Primary Tool for Leading
A prevalent myth in Tango is that leading is primarily done with the hands.
While the hands do play a role, they are far from the main tool for leading. The leader’s whole body, especially the chest and core, is crucial in guiding the follower.
The leader’s whole body, especially the chest and core, is crucial in guiding the follower.
As one source puts it,
"Your partner is connected with your chest movement and not your knee,"
emphasizing that leading involves a full-body connection rather than mere hand movements.
In other words, as the aforementioned source further explains,
if you take care to move your knee together with your chest, and never project your unweighted knee further than your chest, this technique can be very clear and connected for the follower.
The Consequence of Overemphasizing or Neglecting the Hands
Over-reliance on the hands can lead to a rigid and uncoordinated dance experience.
This often results in "pushing" rather than "dancing," a concept articulated by Daniela Borgialli.
"If you push with your arms or with your feet in the floor, the follower, in turn, will fall to her available leg.”
She further explains this in her article entitled Pushing or Dancing?, that pushing with the hands or feet can cause the follower to fall, disrupting the flow and connection essential to Tango.
Conversely,
an attempt to avoid "leading with the hands" entirely can result in passive and disengaged hands,
which diminishes the quality of the embrace and the overall connection.
Notice how the leader gently and subtly leads using his hands to make the follower follow his intended steps
The Hands as Part of the Whole System
In Tango,
the hands should be viewed as an extension of the leader's core and a crucial part of the communication system.
They should neither dominate nor disappear. Instead, they should enhance the connection, creating a three-dimensional sensation of surrounding the partner and communicating in all dimensions.
"The hands are an expression of your brain and core, they are part of the system," and should be treated as such.
The Role of the Embrace
The embrace in Tango is a dynamic aspect that often gets overshadowed by the emphasis on hand movement. It creates a frame within which both partners can communicate effectively.
The embrace allows the leader to guide the follower through subtle shifts in weight and torso movements.
"Tango is much more about mutual communication and connection than dominance,"
debunking the myth of it being a 'macho' dance.
The Chest Leads the Dance
Oscar Casas, a renowned Tango instructor, demonstrates that effective leading involves slight forward movements of the knee, which indirectly influence the chest's position.
effective leading involves slight forward movements of the knee, which indirectly influence the chest's position.
This technique ensures that the follower responds to chest movements rather than direct hand pressure, promoting a smoother and more connected dance.
The chest's role cannot be overstated; it is the primary driver of the follower's responses and movements.
Misconceptions About Step Length
Another common misunderstanding is that step length is controlled solely by hand signals. In reality,
the length of a step is influenced by the leader's posture and knee flexion.
When the leader stays tall, the follower takes shorter steps, but with more flexion, the follower can extend further.
This nuanced control allows the leader to match the step length to the music's mood and tempo, enhancing the dance's expressiveness
Hands as Extensions and Communicators
The hands and arms, when used correctly, extend the leader's ability to communicate more complex movements.
They allow for the creation of space and the execution of non-mirror image steps, which is unique to Tango. Sometimes,
the arms and hands are extensions of the torsion, and at other times, they communicate suspension, enabling the leader to execute movements while stopping the follower or leading her in the opposite direction.
This dynamic use of hands and arms enriches the dance, making it more expressive and intricate.
The Art of Following as Leading
A fascinating aspect of tango is the leader's role in following the followers' response. This interplay is crucial for maintaining smoothness and connection.
When a follower extends their leg, the leader must tune into this movement and adjust accordingly, creating an illusion of simultaneous steps.
This practice underscores that leading in Tango is as much about listening and responding as it is about initiating movement
Pushing vs. Dancing
Daniela Borgialli sheds light on the concept of "pushing" versus "dancing." She highlights that
pushing with the hands or feet leads to a disconnected and forceful dance.
Instead,
dancing should feel like a mutual decoration of the floor, where each partner moves with fluidity and grace.
This approach fosters a more enjoyable and harmonious dance experience.
Debunking the Machismo Myth
Tango's portrayal as a 'macho' dance is another myth that needs addressing.
The dance's essence lies in the connection and communication between partners, regardless of gender roles.
Modern Tango embraces various pairings and encourages both partners to understand and experience the roles of leading and following. This inclusivity enriches the dance and breaks down outdated stereotypes.
The art of subtlety
Leading in Tango is a complex and subtle art that extends far beyond the use of hands.
It involves the entire body, especially the chest, and requires a deep connection and communication between partners.
By debunking the myths surrounding hand use, we can appreciate the true elegance and nuance of Argentine Tango.
If you’re inspired to start your Tango journey and you’re in the Greater Boston area, consider joining classes at Ultimate Tango. You can find their schedule here. Dive into the world of Tango and discover the profound connection it offers.