Argentine tango: Leading Ganchos

Comment

Comment by Phil on September 8, 2010 at 5:08pm

Thanks, Don. I think the turn of the upper body is crucial for leading the gancho. I now recall that Pulpo sometimes starts his enganches (smooth gancho) this way. I love Pulpo's style, but I think it usually requires a dedicated partner to carry out his advanced moves. See one of Pulpos video's here. See also Videos/rare tango videos on the main menu for a series of Pulpo instructional videos.

Comment by Don Fries on September 8, 2010 at 11:07am

This is a very basic lesson. I like Dario's lesson better because it shows him dancing it, and you can see the way he turns his shoulders a bit to lead the gancho. It appears that Mauricio does not turn his shoulders in the same way, but he didn't actually dance the gancho so it's hard to know if he does it or not. I find that the little turn of the shoulders, which turns the follower a bit on her axis, also helps to change the angle of follower's leg with respect to mine so it's easier for her to hook and unhook the gancho smartly.

Comment by Alexandra Haschi on September 7, 2010 at 11:41pm

very clear explanation, thank yoy

Comment by Phil on September 7, 2010 at 7:33pm

I've never done a gancho quite like this. It looks to me like he leads a back ocho and then stops the follower putting his leg between hers to invite a gancho. Should there is a movement of the upper torso to lead the gancho?