'Changes of direction' - my understanding. This is something that is led and involves both partners. You both travel in one direction then reverse the direction of travel of both partners. Usually this is brief and you resume the original direction, but of course anything is possible.
For instance a change of direction I often use goes like this: We travel in line of dance, I lead my partner slightly diagonal to line of dance (slightly clockwise). I am on her right side and move forward onto my right foot, she moves back onto her left foot. I pivot on my right foot (clockwise) and shift back onto my left (shorter step). At the same time leading her to pivot on her left and come around forward onto her right. She is now travelling forward (on my right side) and I am travelling back - change of direction'. I then lead her to pivot on her right foot (about 180 degrees) and then back onto her left as I pivot on my left to come around onto my right foot, again on her right side (or in line). We have 'changed direction' again and have resumed the original line of dance. This is a continuous movement with the momentum from the first change used to help the second change which involves a greater pivot for both partners. The lead needs a shorter back step to allow the follower to come around. These changes are like variations of the rock step but involving a pivot of both partners. There are many variations on changes of direction, they can be to either side etc. You may use crossed or parallel or change from one to the other in the middle. You can lead them from a sacada into an overturned ocho to start with greater momentum etc.etc. The change of direction I have described is fairly simple and doesn't need to be known by the follower as long as they have good basic walking skills. The leader's part is a bit harder in the second change as you need to pivot back then come around forward in line with your partner, into line of dance (as well as leading it all). It's more complicated to explain than it is to do! Of course I may be completely wrong about all this, but I am sure the list will let me know about it. Anyway it works for me. Thanks, Mel (NZ). _______________________________________________ Tango-L mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
