Throwing, Whipping, and Dancing: All You Need To Know About Boleos
Argentine tango is a captivating dance form that mesmerizes both participants and spectators alike.
Known for its elegance, intricate footwork, and passionate connection between partners, tango incorporates many embellishments to enhance the overall dance experience.
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One such embellishment is the boleo, also known as voleo, a dynamic and exciting movement that adds flair and drama to the dance floor.
Let’s delve into the world of boleos, exploring their origins, execution, popular combinations, common mistakes, and tips for tango dancers.
Argentine Tango Embellishments
Before we dive into the specifics of boleos, let’s take a moment to understand the significance of embellishments in Argentine tango.
Embellishments are intricate foot and leg movements that accentuate the musicality and emotions within the dance.
They are expressions of individual creativity and allow dancers to personalize their tango style. Here are some examples of popular Argentine tango embellishments:
Free Leg Stays on the Ground
Endre, in “Embellishments in Argentine Tango: Women’s technique Part I,” listed the following embellishments where the follower’s free leg stays on the ground:
Golpecitos
Golpecitos involve small, quick taps the free leg makes against the ground.
You can execute these taps with the toes, adding rhythmic accents to the music and creating a playful and lively atmosphere on the dance floor.
Dibujo or Rulo
The dibujo is when the free leg traces a circular or spiral path on the ground.
This embellishment adds complexity and visual interest to the movement, making it more visually captivating for both the dancers and the audience.
Boleo or Voleo Bajo Atrás
The boleo bajo atrás, or low (back) boleo, is when your free leg sweeps from the front to the back, maintaining contact with the ground throughout the movement.
Dancers execute this with a slight downward angle, giving it a throwing or whipping sensation.
Amague or Cuatro
The amague, as defined by Argentine Tango Lab in “TANGO TERMINOLOGY,” i
is an embellishment used before taking a step.
The cuatro shows the numeral “4” with the leg, with the ankle passing in front of the knee. Both are visual interests and a setup for a particular step or movement.
Toque
Toque or “touch” is when the leader and follower play with each other’s legs.
It could also be when the leader leads the follower over his foot from one side to the other, and the follower touches his foot slightly.
Free Leg Stays Above Ground and Stays Within the Frame
Some embellishments allow the follower’s free leg to move up in the air but stay within the frame. In “Ladies embellishments – part 2 – free leg above the ground,” Endre discusses the caricias.
When your free leg sweeps in a gentle and caressing motion, it’s a caricias.
The movement is characterized by a fluid and controlled leg extension, creating a sense of grace and elegance. Caricias can be executed at various heights and angles, allowing for beautiful lines and visual expression.
Free Leg Is in the Air
The third category of embellishments, according to Endre in “Ladies embellishments part 3 – free leg above the ground,” includes the following moves:
Gancho
A gancho is where the free leg hooks around the partner’s leg, creating a dynamic and intertwined movement.
Ganchos can be executed in various directions, adding excitement and unpredictability to the dance.
Patada
Patada is a sharp and deliberate kick of the free leg.
This movement adds a dramatic and energetic element to the dance.
Another embellishment that sets the Argentine tango apart from other dances is the boleo.
Boleos, with their sweeping and dynamic nature, are among the most eye-catching embellishments in tango.
We’ve already mentioned the voleo bajo atrás earlier. Still, other boleos really send a follower’s free leg in the air.
What Is a Boleo?
The name “boleo” comes from the Spanish word for “throw” or “whip,” reflecting the dynamic nature of this embellishment.
At its core, a boleo is a whipping or throwing movement that involves the dancer’s free leg.
It’s another way to express passion, power, and rhythmic interpretation within the tango dance. If you see a follower executing a whip-like lash of her one leg to the buttock, it’s a boleo!
The boleo is often associated with “latigazo,” which translates to “whip.”
The idea behind latigazo is to create a sudden change in energy and direction, mimicking the motion of a whip.
Boleos, with their quick and powerful movements, embody the essence of latigazo, adding intensity and drama to the dance.
Types of Boleo
Every beginner Argentine tango dancer must know that a boleo comes in many forms, each with its unique characteristics and challenges. Understanding the different types of boleos can help dancers explore a wide range of possibilities and incorporate them into their tango repertoire.
The two main types of boleo are the forward and backward boleo. On the one hand,
the forward boleo involves the free leg sweeping forward in a throwing motion.
In contrast,
the back boleo involves the free leg sweeping backward.
Besides these two basic types, other variations can add a new layer of complexity and interest to the dance.
Linear Boleo
Miles Tangos in “The Linear Boleo” defines linear boleo as follows:
“This is a lifting of the leg (Lead or Follow, typically though it’s the Follower’s leg) that tends to be sent straight back and up. This is why they’re called “Linear” Boleos because they’re in a LINE with the walking step.”
In other words, the linear boleo is like a combination of the forward and backward boleo. Instead of just sweeping outward or forward, the linear boleo moves in both directions. It creates a beautiful line in the dance and is a great way to add energy and momentum!
Circular Boleo
Circular boleos involve sweeping in a circular or semi-circular path.
It’s a dynamic and swirling motion to the dance, creating visually stunning shapes and lines.
Miles Tangos defined it in “Circular Boleos” as:
“A Circular Boleo is a type of Boleo where the Follower’s Leg (and sometimes a self Led Lead’s Leg) will curve upwards and possibly around their partner’s body in the air.”
It could be a low, mid-range, mid-height, or high circular.
Social Boleo
Lastly,
social boleos are where the dancer’s foot extends outward beyond the couple and does not come off the floor.
The extension doesn’t go over a half-a-leg distance.
Moreover, Miles Tangos said in “Social Boleos”:
“This type of Boleo is good for Social Tango and respects the line, and the lane of dance, while at the same time respecting the Ronda.”
These boleos focus on maintaining a comfortable connection between the dancers while still incorporating the essential elements of the movement.
Our post, “FRONT & BACK BOLEOS”, also mentioned directional and contra boloes. We shared:
“Boleo is activated by reversing a pivot causing the dancer’s leg to swing out and return, similar to whipping motion.
Axis of the Follower is extremely important. Since one leg is flying, the standing one shall be firmly on the ground with no balance issues.
Depending on musical interpretation and specific effect we wish to achieve the accent of the boleo, its culmination, can come on the beat or off the beat. Each lead has its own characteristics – directional boleo or contra boleo.”
Contra boleos are executed against the natural direction of the movement.
For example, a contra boleo would involve the free leg sweeping backward if the dancers move forward. This variation creates a sense of tension and contrast within the dance.
The Basics of Boleos
There may be different types of boleo, but the basic technique remains the same. Diego Blanco and Ana Padron said in “How to Do a Boleo in the Argentine Tango” that a back boleo is possible from ochos. On the one hand,
the follower takes a side step and the leader leads an ocho, giving her a whipping sensation at the end.
Ana Padron said:
“So there is a opposition happening in the lead which creates this whipping sensation. He can also do it to the other side. Knees together. Side, knees together, opposition in the torso. I’m going to use my arms pressing against my leader’s back to have this whipping sensation.”
On the other hand,
the leader doesn’t have to do much but lead.
Diego Blanco describes:
“We go side, when I place my weight on this leg I send the leg back to her and then immediately bring it back. That brings the whipping action.”
Boleos are embellishments, meaning you can add them to any step in the dance.
You can also use them with other figures, including ochos, giros, and colgadas. Boleos aren’t as complicated as other Argentine tango steps. Still, they require a combination of technical skills, body awareness, and musicality. It’s ideal to always go back to the meaning of the boleo, which is to “throw.”
Common Mistakes When Doing the Boleo
Like any intricate movement, boleos can be challenging to master. Here are some common mistakes that dancers should be mindful of:
Lack of Connection
A weak or inconsistent connection between the dancers can impede the execution of a boleo. Both partners should strive for a firm and responsive embrace to ensure effective communication and coordination.
Overextension or Collapsing
In boleos, it is essential to strike a balance between extension and control. Overextending the free leg or collapsing the body can compromise balance and lead to loss of control in the movement.
Incorrect Weight Shift
Shifting weight too early or too late during a boleo can disrupt the flow and timing of the movement. Practicing and developing a sense of timing is crucial to execute weight shifts smoothly and seamlessly.
Lack of Musicality
Boleos should be aligned with the rhythm and accents of the music. Neglecting the musicality of the dance can result in disconnected or disjointed boleos. It is important to develop a strong sense of musical interpretation to enhance the overall quality of the movement.
Boleo Tips for Tango Dancers
To improve your boleo technique and enhance your overall tango experience, consider the following tips:
Focus on Technique
Spend dedicated practice time refining your boleo technique. Pay attention to body alignment, weight shifts, and connection to ensure clean and precise movements.
Develop Body Awareness
Cultivate a strong sense of body awareness and control to execute boleos with precision and fluidity. Practice exercises that enhance balance, core stability, and flexibility to support your boleo technique.
Communicate and Collaborate
Effective communication and collaboration between partners are crucial for successful boleos. Practice clear and responsive leads and develop sensitivity as a follower to maintain a harmonious connection throughout the movement.
Embrace Musicality
Deepen your understanding of tango music and its rhythms. Listen to different orchestras, study the lyrics, and attend milongas to develop your musicality. It will enable you to interpret the music and integrate boleos seamlessly into your dance.
Be Considerate of Other Dancers
Remember to not take up too much space while executing boleos. If you’re in a crowded milonga, be mindful of other dancers and don’t execute boleos that could interfere with other couples. “Feel” the dancefloor before you throw boleos. As said by Tangology 101 in “Tango Etiquette Part 2: Dance Floor Etiquette (Floorcraft)”:
“Followers do not execute high boleos unless you have a high degree of trust in your leader and the dance floor is not very crowded, or your feet are pointed towards the tables.
Just because your leader gives the energy for a high boleo, it does not mean you have to execute it and endanger yourself or others.”
Throw It the Argentine Tango Way!
Boleos, with their throwing, whipping, and dancing motion, are essential in Argentine tango.
When you watch a tango couple on the dancefloor and catch a glimpse of the boleos, know they’re not simply going through the motions.
Every boleo isn’t just a random whipping of the legs — it’s a culmination of many elements. It requires technical skill, musicality, and artistry.
Boleos allow tango enthusiasts to explore new dimensions of expression and elevate their tango experience.
So, embrace the challenge, immerse yourself in the music, and throw those boleos the Argentine tango way!