The Argentine Tango Merry-Go-Round: All You Need To Know About Calecita
The Argentine tango is an enthralling dance showcasing passion, elegance, and intricate footwork.
Numerous steps and movements add depth and complexity to this mesmerizing dance style, and one such step is the calecita, a graceful and dynamic movement that creates a beautiful sense of rotation.
Many tango dancers do this step, but not everyone knows what it really is. In this blog post, we’ll get to know the calecita, the one tango step that sends you spinning!
10 Tango Steps To Speak Tango
Originating in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, the tango evolved to express the immigrants’ struggles and aspirations.
The dance form gained popularity and eventually made its way to the upper echelons of society, becoming a symbol of passion, sensuality, and sophistication.
Generations of evolution have led to the emergence of a wide range of steps and movements, all of which add complexity and fluidity to this unique dance style. When learning about tango, it’s crucial to familiarize some fundamental steps that lay the groundwork for more intricate patterns and sequences. In our article, “10 TANGO STEPS YOU MUST KNOW TO SPEAK TANGO,” we listed the following:
Basic to the Cross
Also known as the Basic 8-Count to the Cross, the step involves a sequence of eight steps that begins with the leader.
It traditionally starts with a back step, but with space limitations, a couple can take a smaller step to avoid hitting other dancers.
Baldosa
As the Argentine Tango Lab defines in “TERMINOLOGY,”
the baldosa is “a walking box figure named after the black and white checkerboard tile floors common in Buenos Aires.”
Some also call it the Short Basic, and it’s similar to the 8-Count Basic but excludes the cross-step.
Ocho
The ocho is a figure-eight movement the follower performs, with the leader guiding their partner’s steps.
This step adds grace and fluidity to the dance, creating beautiful spiraling patterns on the dance floor.
Giro and Molinete
The giro is a turn, while the molinete means “windmill” or “wheel.”
The two are very common figures in tango, challenging dancers to maintain good posture, balance, and technique to perform it well.
giro
molinete
Barrida
Barrida translates to “sweep” and involves a sweeping motion with the foot, clearing the path for the partner’s subsequent step.
It can be used as a playful and dynamic element within tango sequences.
Barrida
Sanguchito
The sanguchito may sound and seem complicated, but it’s one of the most basic tango steps. As said by Endre in “Basics of Argentine tango – the sandwich-step”:
“…the woman’s foot is in between the two feet of the leader, forming a sandwich. The position can be changed, in this case the leader’s foot is positioned in between the two feet of the woman.”
Parada and Pasada
On the one hand,
the parada refers to a stop or halt, where the leader momentarily pauses the follower’s movement.
On the other hand,
the pasada involves a forward or sideward displacement of the follower’s leg while maintaining contact with the leader’s leg.
Boleo
The boleo is a dynamic and expressive movement that creates a whipping motion with the follower’s leg.
It adds flair and excitement to the dance, accentuating the rhythmic quality of the music.
Cruzada
The cruzada, or “cross,” is a fundamental technique in tango. It involves the follower crossing one leg over the other, often creating a beautiful and visually striking position.
The nine tango steps described above comprise the basics of Argentine tango. And to complete the list, let’s finally discuss the calecita.
What Is the Calecita?
The term “calecita” translates to “merry-go-round” or “carousel” in Spanish, indicating the circular motion it creates on the dance floor.
The tango calecita is a rotational movement involving a series of steps that guide the leader in a circular path.
It adds a dynamic and enchanting element to the dance, showcasing the elegance and connection between the dance partners. As said by the Argentine Tango Lab:
“A figure in which the man places the lady on one foot with a lifting action of his frame and then dances around her while keeping her centered over, and pivoting on, her supporting leg. Sometimes referred to as the Stork when the lady’s leg is lifted in the cuatro position.”
How To Dance Calecita
It’s possible to start and combine the calecita with various tango steps and movements to create a captivating sequence on the dance floor. As Ana Padron and Diego Blanco explained in “How to Do the Carousel aka Le Calecita | Argentine Tango,” the leader can take it from a side step, a forward step, a back step, or any step.
Generally,
to execute the calecita, the leader must switch their weight to their left and take a step forward. Once the follower is on their leg, the leader will walk around, maintaining the same distance for every step, then square off to continue into a basic.
Throughout the calecita,
it is essential to maintain a close embrace, with both partners staying connected and maintaining clear communication through subtle cues and body language.
The steps should be executed with precision and fluidity, allowing the circular motion to flow naturally.
Common Mistakes When Doing the Calecita
While the calecita can be breathtaking when executed flawlessly, dancers may encounter a few mistakes. Awareness of these pitfalls can help refine your technique and enhance their overall performance. Let’s explore some of the most common mistakes when doing the calecita:
Not Maintaining the Follower on Their Axis
One common mistake is the leader failing to support the follower on their axis during the calecita.
As said by Diego Blanco:
“If it’s an experienced follower she will not change weight, but if it’s an inexperienced follower most likely she might change the weight. So, you give her a little hint: no, this a where you’re going to go. And you’re going just walk around.”
Not maintaining the follower’s axis will not create a calecita, and this happens when the leader doesn’t give the follower enough lead to stay centered.
Missing the Palm-to-Palm Sensation
The calecita requires a delicate connection between the dancers, particularly in the hands.
Failing to maintain the palm-to-palm sensation can result in a loss of connection and disrupt the fluidity of the movement.
As Ana Padron explained:
“…make sure you maintain your frame intact having a palm-to-palm sensation from the palm of his hand to his scapula. As he goes around, you want to help him understand where your axis is so he can go around. If your arms are loose, one, you won’t follow him and two, he won’t know where your feet are in space.”
When the follower loses contact with the leader’s hands, both of them lose the connection and the energy of the movement.
As a result, the calecita won’t work.
Different Distances Between Steps
Consistency in step length by the leader is crucial for a smooth calecita.
Inconsistencies in step distance can lead to awkward movements and disrupt the circular flow of the dance.
Diego Blanco explained that the steps must be the same distance; otherwise, the followers will fall on their leaders.
Tips for a Beautiful Calecita
Once you start practicing your calecita, the mistakes will be easier to identify because you will know exactly what to look for. For example, if you’re a leader and create the circle too quickly, your followers may lose their balance and stumble. Without a doubt, that’s a mistake. Now, how can you fix these mistakes? What can you do to make sure your calecita is correct and beautiful?
For the followers, here are three tips:
Help Your Leader Understand Where Your Axis Is
As a follower, help your leader understand where your axis is so there’ll be less struggle in the movement.
Maintain a palm-to-palm sensation from the palm of the leader’s hand to his shoulder.
Moreover,
maintain a strong frame and engage your core to provide a precise reference point for the leader’s guidance.
Look At the Center of Your Leader’s Body
By focusing your gaze on the center of your leader’s body, you can maintain a better connection and anticipate their movements.
This visual connection enhances the communication between partners. As said by Ana Padron:
“And when you’re going around make sure you keep looking at the center of his body so you can maintain a small V shape until he squares you off to take another step.”
Add Embellishments
Embellishments are small decorative movements that add flair and individuality to the dance.
While your leader is walking in circles, you can use your free leg to show off your footwork and body movement. It’s important to add these embellishments in a controlled manner to not overpower the leader’s flow. Experiment with embellishments during the calecita to enhance its visual appeal and showcase your personal style!
For the leaders, here are three tips to keep in mind:
Help Your Follower Maintain Their Frame
Leaders should prioritize assisting their followers in maintaining a stable frame throughout the calecita.
Provide clear guidance and support, allowing followers to feel secure and confident in their movements.
Intermediate Class at Ultimate Tango.
Before you even begin to step into your circles, ensure your follower has their feet placed firmly and is actively engaging with you. This way, they can better access your lead and easily enter the calecity.
Have the Same Distance for Every Step
Consistency is vital in the calecita.
Strive to maintain the same distance for each step, ensuring a smooth and continuous circular motion.
Again, this tip will help followers understand your lead, move with confidence, and avoid falling on you.
Square Off With Your Follower After the Calecita
To conclude the calecita gracefully, leaders should square off with their followers, meaning you keep your hips and shoulders in the same line.
This closing position becomes a seamless transition into the following sequence, regardless of which way you choose to turn.
Should You Learn the Calecita?
The calecita can be easy for some and require more practice for others. Maybe you’ll get it on your first try or need to keep practicing until you get it right. Either way,
learning the calecita is highly recommended, especially if you want to add depth and variety to your tango repertoire.
The step also enhances your connection with your partner and allows for creative expression on the dance floor, helping you gain a deeper appreciation for the Argentine tango.
The mistakes mentioned above can easily become reasons a tango dancer won’t pursue or feel comfortable in the calecita. Therefore,
it’s crucial to practice with the proper technique, dedication, consistency, and patience.
It’d also help to have an expert guide you along the way, so you can discover all the possibilities that come with this exciting Argentine tango step.
Lastly,
you and your partner must work as a team to successfully execute the calecita.
So, if one of you isn’t feeling it, take a break and go back to it later. That way, you can make sure both of you are having fun on the dance floor, not struggling to master a tricky step. Ultimately, the calecita opens up a world of possibilities for creative expression. When you learn it, you’ll be able to take your tango performances to the next level.
the calecita opens up a world of possibilities for creative expression.
When you learn it, you’ll be able to take your tango performances to the next level.
Going Round and Round in Argentine Tango
When you see a tango couple on the dance floor suddenly stay in one spot yet still move in graceful, coordinated circles, that’s the calecita.
The calecita is a dynamic movement within the Argentine tango, creating a sense of circular rotation that enthralls both dancers and onlookers.
Through its execution, you can showcase your technical prowess, elegance, and deep connection with your partners.
By understanding the origins, execution, combinations, and common mistakes of the calecita, you can master this enchanting movement. Take the time to appreciate its complexity and explore how it can add beauty and meaning to your tango performances.
Get on the merry-go-round of Argentine Tango and let the calecita spin out the best in your dancing!