Leaning Out Away: All You Need To Know About Colgada
The Argentine Tango is a passionate and intricate dance form that has captivated people worldwide for over a century.
Within this rich dance style, there are numerous techniques and movements that dancers strive to master.
One such movement that adds elegance, dynamism, and excitement to the dance is the colgada.
Whether you are an avid tango dancer or simply intrigued by the art of dance, let us provide you with everything you need to know about the colgada!
Brief History of the Argentine Tango
Before we dive into the colgada, it’s essential to understand the origins and evolution of the Argentine Tango.
Originating in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, the tango emerged as a fusion of African, European, and indigenous influences.
Initially,
the dance was considered scandalous and was primarily performed in the city’s brothels.
However, as it gained popularity, it made its way into the mainstream and eventually became a global sensation.
Axis and the Argentine Tango
At the heart of the Argentine Tango lies the concept of axis.
Axis refers to the imaginary line running through the center of a dancer’s body, providing stability and balance.
Maintaining a strong axis is crucial in executing complex movements and techniques like the colgada.
Both partners must be aware of their own axis and that of their partner to achieve a harmonious connection. As said by Daniel in “Argentine Tango Best Practices – 3. Axis”:
“Axis is important because it impacts our balance, our ability to execute movements smoothly and without undo effort, and it impacts the level of comfort (or discomfort) that we feel with our partners.
It’s important to understand axis because sometimes our axis is compromised while dancing. The compromise often stems from a lack of awareness.”
Axis is very much crucial in tango because the strength of your connection with your partner, as well as the complexity of your movements, depends on it.
For example, without a proper understanding of axis, it would be almost impossible to execute movements like the volcada, ocho, or giro in their full beauty.
Being aware of your own axis and that of your partner allows you to move together in harmony, creating a unified and mesmerizing performance. Needless to say, your axis is also vital in executing the colgada.
What Is the Colgada?
The colgada is a leaning movement in the Argentine Tango that creates an illusion of defying gravity.
It involves the leader leading the follower to lean away from the shared axis, often creating a striking diagonal line between their bodies. As defined by the Argentine Tango Lab in “TERMINOLOGY”:
“A spinning move executed by a couple at the end of an inside barrida in which both dancers lean out away from each other and spin rapidly until the man leads out with a back step.”
Colgada
The colgada comes from the word “colgar,” which means “to hang.”
It requires trust, balance, and a strong connection between the partners. When executed fluidly, it adds a sense of freedom, suspension, and drama to the dance.
Colgada vs Volcada
It’s important to differentiate between the colgada and another movement called the volcada. As said by Endre in “Off-balance, volcada and colgada in tango (intermediate)”:
“What is a colgada? This is the exact opposite of volcadas. You lean away from the partner, holding on to them and distancing the upper bodies.”
Therefore,
the volcada is a movement that also requires awareness of your axis, but instead of leaning away from the partner, you lean toward them.
This creates an arching of the bodies, often with the follower leaning into the leader.
Volcada
Both the volcada and colgada can be used to add a sense of drama and excitement to your dance.
Who Developed Colgadas?
When learning the Argentine tango, many dancers feel fascinated with how the steps and movements were developed. Unfortunately, some steps and techniques within the Argentine tango have been lost in history. However, many movements have been carried on through generations, even without a clear origin. The colgada is an example of this.
Colgada and Ice Skating
The development of colgadas in tango is often attributed to the influence of ice skating.
But does colagada come from ice skating? The connection between colgadas and ice skating is evident in both disciplines’ flowing and graceful movements.
Ice skaters, like tango dancers, rely on maintaining balance and understanding the axis to execute intricate leans and off-axis movements.
Fabian Salas
Some also ask, “Did Fabian Salas develop colgadas?”
Fabian Salas, a renowned Argentine tango dancer, choreographer, and instructor, has significantly contributed to developing and promoting the art form.
Photo ftom Tarbes in Tango
He has dedicated himself to exploring the dynamics, technique, and musicality of the colgada, making it accessible to tango enthusiasts worldwide.
Salas’s expertise and passion for the Argentine tango have inspired countless dancers to delve into this captivating movement.
Regardless of the real origin of the colgada, it’s undeniable that the move has been perfected and popularized in the Argentine tango. Today, it’s an essential part of every dancer’s repertoire and is practiced all over the world.
How Do You Do Colgada in Tango?
Executing a colgada requires coordination, balance, and a clear understanding between the leader and follower.
The leader initiates the movement by subtly shifting their weight and pushing the follower to lean away. The follower must trust the leader’s support and maintain balance while gracefully leaning into the colgada position. Both partners must remain connected throughout the movement, allowing seamless flow between steps.
In “How to Do a Colgada in the Argentine Tango” by Diego Blanco and Ana Padron, Diego Blanco said:
“To practice it is good to take yourself and practice position, and think back when you were young and you lean like so, and you run around, like, in the park. The difference here in tango, and in dance, is that we don’t throw our shoulders back because it’s too much to hold. So what we do is, we bend our knees, and we pull from our tailbones. And this, this is what creates the colgada…
Once you send the follower out, you have to shift your weight like so, so you’re all going to be on one leg, which would be the right for both of you. And then you turn. So, you’re going to go side, parada, colgada, and then you’re going to step back to create the turn.”
Combinations With Colgada
You can incorporate the colgada into various combinations and sequences within the Argentine tango.
You can use it to transition from one step to another or as a standalone movement within a choreographed routine.
When combined with other techniques, such as the barrida, a sweeping movement, the colgada helps create interesting variations in how you move during your partner dance.
Additionally,
it can be used as part of a longer sequence, such as the four-step side-colgada combination.
It involves stepping to the side twice with the leader and follower alternating connection to the ground. After the second side step, both partners draw their legs together in a colgada, before stepping back into the center. This combination creates interesting patterns and shapes within your partner work and provides a strong sense of momentum from the side-to-side motion.
Common Mistakes When Doing the Colgada
Mastering the colgada takes time and practice. Here are some common mistakes that dancers may encounter when attempting the colgada:
Followers: Moving the Upper Body
As said by Miriam Larici in “TANGO TIPS: Colgadas!… Tips to improve them! (For Leaders & Followers),”
followers often move their upper body when splitting their legs as the leader sends them out.
Excessive movement in the upper body can disrupt the leader’s balance and compromise the connection.
Leaders: Leading From the Arms
Leaders should lead the colgada from their core and not solely rely on their arms.
When they do this, it can cause the follower to feel unbalanced and interrupt their connection. Leonardo Barrionuevo in “TANGO TIPS: Colgadas!… Tips to improve them! (For Leaders & Followers),” also said
when leaders lead from the arms, they forget to elongate their arms, making the colgada look stiff and disconnected.
Followers: Losing the Connection to the Floor
When followers lose the connection to the floor, the leaders will keep pushing them out further. This mistake can knock over the followers, making the colgada a dangerous move.
Leaders: Holding the Position
The colgada is a pendulum, so it should not be held in position.
The leader must use momentum to keep the connection while swinging from side to side. Holding the colgada can disrupt the connection and balance.
Tips for a Beautiful Colgada
The colgada can be confusing to learn, and it takes time to perfect. It may seem easy when you watch a professional dancer perform the move, but it takes patience and practice.
To make sure your colgada looks beautiful, remember these tips from Elizabeth Wartluft Tango in “Colgadas: more tips for off-axis tango moves.” For leaders:
Put the Follower On-Axis
As a leader, it’s your job to put the follower on the axis and keep them there. Ensure the follower maintains their axis throughout the colgada, allowing for a balanced lean.
Counterbalance From the Same Shared Axis Point
Create a counterbalance by shifting your weight to the opposite of the follower’s lean. This tip is crucial for keeping the connection strong and helping hold the follower’s balance.
Exit the Direction That Feels the Easiest for the Follower
Guide the follower in exiting the colgada in a direction that feels natural and comfortable for them. As a leader, your responsibility is to keep your follower safe and secure.
Read the Follower’s Movement
Pay attention to the follower’s body language and adjust your lead accordingly to maintain a smooth and connected colgada.
Elongate Your Arms
Extend your arms to provide stability and support during the colgada, ensuring a secure connection with your partner.
For followers, these tips will help you get the most out of your colgada:
Keep Yourself on Your Foot
Focus on maintaining balance and connection with the floor, distributing your weight evenly between your feet. Remember that your connection with the floor lets your leader know there’s no need to push you further.
Feel the Pendulum and Follow It
Allow yourself to move with the natural pendulum-like motion of the colgada, following the leader’s lead. Again, the colgada is a pendulum, so use the momentum to your advantage and don’t fight or hold it.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
The colgada requires muscle memory and coordination. Regular practice will help you develop the necessary skills and enhance your overall technique. Whenever the move doesn’t feel right, step out of it and try again.
Should You Learn the Colgada?
The colgada is a technically challenging movement. If you’re an experienced tango dancer looking to expand your repertoire and add more dynamism to your dance, learning the colgada can be a rewarding endeavor. However, it is essential to approach it with dedication, patience, and guidance from a qualified instructor.
The colgada in Argentine Tango is a breathtaking movement showcasing the dance’s grace, skill, and intimacy.
Its origins may be clearly unknown, but its beauty is unmistakable. By understanding the technique, avoiding common mistakes, and following the tips provided, dancers can master the colgada and create captivating moments on the dance floor.
Leaning Out But Staying Connected
The colgada is more than just a lean; it’s a testament to the connection between two dancers and their ability to trust and communicate through movement.
It adds an element of excitement, suspension, and visual beauty to the Argentine tango.
Whether you’re an experienced tango dancer or someone just beginning their journey, exploring the colgada can be a meaningful experience. It challenges you to push your boundaries, refine your technique, and deepen your connection with your dance partner.
So, if you’re ready to take your tango to new heights, why not give the colgada a try?
Embrace the elegance, the thrill, and the artistry of leaning out away while staying connected through the power of dance.