Close Embraces and Falling Off: All You Need To Know About Volcada
Rooted in Buenos Aires city’s cultural melting pot,
the Argentine tango emerged as a passionate and improvisational partner dance characterized by its intimate connection, intricate footwork, and expressive music.
Over the years, it has evolved and incorporated various styles and techniques, captivating dancers and enthusiasts worldwide.
One of the most intriguing and challenging movements in Argentine tango is the volcada.
What is this fascinating move and how can dancers learn to execute it in their own steps? Let’s explore it together!
Brief History of Argentine Tango
To truly appreciate the volcada, it’s essential to understand the broader context of Argentine tango.
The dance originated in the late 19th century as a fusion of various musical and dance traditions, including African rhythms, European immigrant melodies, and the influence of indigenous music.
Initially associated with the lower classes, tango quickly spread throughout Argentina and found its way to Europe, captivating audiences with its passionate and sensuous movements.
What Is Volcada?
Volcada is an enthralling Argentine tango movement involving an off-axis embrace and a controlled fall or tilt of the follower’s body.
As defined by the Argentine Tango Lab in “TERMINOLOGY”:
“…to tip-over or capsize; a falling step: The leader causes the follower to tilt or lean forward and fall off her axis before he catches her again. The process produces a beautiful leg drop from her. The movement requires the support of a close embrace.”
The term “volcada” comes from the Spanish word “volcar,” which means “to tip over” or “to fall.” In this step,
the leader guides the follower into a dynamic and suspended position, creating an illusion of falling while maintaining control and connection.
The History of Volcada
Many think the volcada is a relatively recent addition to the tango repertoire. Though its exact origin remains unclear, we can trace its early appearances through historical milestones in the evolution of the Argentine tango. The volcada may have been called the volcada at the end of the 20th century, but its presence in the Argentine tango has been documented for centuries.
1931, “Las Luces de Buenos Aires”
In Gustavo Benzecry Sabá’s “DO YOU KNOW THE HISTORY OF THE “VOLCADA”?” (Part I) | Tango dance culture,” he talked about the 1931 musical film “Las Luces de Buenos Aires.”
In this movie, a famous tango couple, whom many believe was Bernardo Undaz and his wife Amelia, performed a breathtaking Argentine tango sequence.
“El Mocho” and “The Portuguesa” stayed in a close embrace the whole time, performing movements that could be considered the early version of the volcada.
1950, Rosario Orlando Paiva’s Carpa
Fast forward to the 1950s, when Rosario Orlando Paiva became one of the world’s best-known Argentine tango dancers and teachers, creating around 200 figures and steps. In Gustavo Benzecry Sabá’s “DO YOU KNOW THE HISTORY OF THE “VOLCADA”? (Part II) | Tango dance culture,”
he talked about how Paiva created the carpa, a step that involves movements that could be considered another root of the volcada.
The Argentine Tango Lab defined the carpa as follows:
“The tent: A figure created when the man leads the lady onto one foot as in, or at the end of, calesita and then steps back away from her, causing her to lean at an angle from her foot to his frame.”
We can see the similarity between the carpa and the volcada, as both require the lady to lean into her partner while maintaining a close embrace. It’s like the volcada minus the tipping over of the follower!
Volcadas and Carlos Gavito
From the couple dancing in the Las Luces de Buenos Aires to Paiva’s carpa, the volcada eventually became one of the most iconic Argentine tango figures. When people think of volcadas, one of the first people that comes to mind is Carlos Gavito. This legendary dancer’s volcadas created a new level of passion and connection between him and his followers.
Gavito’s volcadas were intense yet smooth and elegant, creating an unforgettable experience for both dancers as they moved together in perfect harmony.
He was known for his unique way of dancing, using the volcada to add depth and meaning to the steps in his choreographies.
It’s believed that Gavito’s volcadas have become so popular because of their ability to bring out the emotion of the music and create a romantic atmosphere on the dance floor.
Even today, dancers continue to be inspired by Gavito’s volcadas, striving to make the same level of connection and passion in their own dancing.
The Different Types of Volcada
The volcada has come a long way since its beginnings in Buenos Aires, evolving into several versions. Within the realm of volcadas, dancers have developed various variations and styles over the years. As shared by Gustavo Benzecry Sabá:
“The natural volcada, which is performed on the closed side, with the woman or follower crossing in front…
The contravolcada, which is performed on the open side, the side where the hands meet, generally in combination with the natural volcada.
The volcada with crossing back.
The lateral volcada, which is usually performed on the leader’s right side.”
Besides the four classic variations, there’s also the combined volcada, which, as the name suggests,
combines and interrupts the volcada with other known figures.
It allows for a seamless transition between different positions, adding depth and complexity to the dance.
Lastly, the mega volcada takes the concept of the volcada to the extreme.
It involves a more significant tilt and fall, often requiring a high level of skill, trust, and coordination between partners.
As said by Gustavo Benzecry Sabá, it’s an exaggerated form of volcada used for display.
How Do You Do the Volcada in Tango?
Executing a volcada requires precise technique, balance, and trust between the leader and the follower. In “How to Do the Volcada | Argentine Tango” by Diego Blanco and Ana Padron, Diego Blanco steps slightly to the back so his follower can spill her weight on him. So,
for the leader, the volcada starts with a side step, giving a circular feeling to cross, and then step back.
For the followers, Ana Padron said:
“So you really, really want to pretend like you’re drawing a figure on the floor with your leg. And that will be portrayed through your upper body, so the purpose is to bring my left leg around into a cross off axis… So as he takes me to the side I’m already slightly off axis and he brings my leg around. It’s really important that you keep your leg loose from the hip joint, so then you can create a nice circular move.”
After the volcada, the follower must help their leader by bringing their body back to axis.
The follower must bring their whole spine upright once the leader steps closer. Generally, the volcada follows the following flow:
Connection and Embrace
The leader initiates the volcada by establishing a close embrace with the follower, maintaining a strong connection through the chest and arms.
Preparation
The leader creates a subtle lead by shifting their own axis slightly, signaling the follower to anticipate the upcoming movement.
Tilt and Fall
The leader guides the follower’s body into a controlled tilt, maintaining balance and control throughout the movement. The follower’s body leans away from the leader while maintaining contact and connection.
Recovery
After the tilt, the leader gently guides the follower to an upright position, ensuring a smooth and graceful transition.
Combinations With Volcada
You can combine the volcada with other tango movements to create captivating sequences and choreographies.
One is with the barrida, a sweeping motion where the leader’s foot sweeps the follower’s foot along the floor. Combining the volcada with a barrida creates a seamless and fluid transition, enhancing the dynamic nature of both movements.
Another is with the gancho, a hooking action where the follower’s leg wraps around the leader’s leg. By incorporating a gancho into a volcada, dancers can create a visually stunning and intricate sequence that combines the beauty of both movements.
It’s important to note that executing a volcada requires practice, communication, and mutual understanding between partners.
Start with simple variations and gradually progress to more complex movements as both partners become comfortable and confident in their abilities!
Common Mistakes When Doing the Volcada
While the volcada is a fascinating movement, it can be challenging to execute correctly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when performing a volcada:
Losing Balance and Control
Maintaining balance and control throughout the volcada is crucial. Both the leader and the follower must be mindful of their body alignment, weight distribution, and connection to prevent any loss of balance or stability during the movement.
Missing the Anchor
The follower’s anchor, which refers to the foot or leg that remains grounded during the volcada, is vital in maintaining stability and control. Neglecting to establish a solid anchor can lead to a wobbly or uncontrolled fall.
Not Waiting for the Follower
The leader must synchronize their movements with the follower’s timing. Rushing or not waiting for the follower to establish their balance and connection can disrupt the flow of the volcada and compromise the overall execution.
Sagging
Sagging refers to a lack of tension and control in the body during the volcada. The leader and the follower should maintain an engaged and energetic posture, ensuring a smooth and balanced movement.
Tips for a Beautiful Volcada
To achieve a beautiful and captivating volcada, leaders and followers can consider the tips from Elizabeth Wartluft Tango in “Volcada technique: make volcadas easy to follow and elegant!”
For leaders:
Stay On Axis
Leaders should maintain a strong and stable axis throughout the movement, providing a solid foundation for the volcada.
Make the Follower’s Support Leg or Foot the Anchor
Encourage followers to establish a firm anchor by placing their weight on their supporting leg or foot.
Lift the Follower and Then Move Away for a Tipping Motion
Rather than pulling or pushing the follower into the tilt, leaders should focus on creating a lifting motion before allowing the fall to happen naturally.
Catch the Pendulum Swing of the Follower’s Leg
Pay attention to the timing and direction of the follower’s leg swing, anticipating and supporting their movement to create a seamless and fluid motion.
Wait for Your Follower
Patience is key. Allow the follower to establish their balance and connection before initiating the volcada, ensuring a synchronized and harmonious movement.
For the followers, keep the following tips in mind:
Keep Your Spine Energized and Stretched
As a follower, maintain an elongated and energized spine, allowing for better alignment and balance during the volcada.
Keep Your Hips Aligned Over Your Support Leg
Focus on aligning your hips over your supporting leg, creating a stable foundation for the movement.
Be Stretchy and Maintain Your Axis
Maintain a sense of stretch and extension throughout your body, contributing to the elegance and control of the volcada.
Stay in Contact With Your Leader
Maintain a strong connection with the leader, allowing clear communication and responsiveness to their lead.
Intro to Volcadas class at Ultimate Tango
Should You Learn the Volcada?
Learning the volcada can be an exciting and rewarding journey for tango enthusiasts. However, it’s vital to approach it with the right mindset and appropriate training.
The volcada requires a solid foundation in tango technique, balance, connection, and a trusting partnership with your dance partner.
We recommend learning the volcada under the guidance of an experienced tango instructor who can provide proper instruction and feedback and ensure safety during the learning process!
Falling Literally and Figuratively for the Argentine Tango
The volcada is a mesmerizing movement that embodies the beauty and passion of Argentine tango.
Its creation and evolution over the years have added depth and excitement to the dance. By understanding its history, mastering the execution, exploring combinations, and avoiding common mistakes, you can embrace the challenge and joy of performing the volcada.
Whether you’re a leader or a follower, embrace the thrill of falling into the world of volcada and let the Argentine tango catch you.
With practice, patience, and a deep connection with your partner, you can create breathtaking moments of artistry and expression on the dance floor. Go on and fall literally and figuratively for the Argentine tango!