Level 1 Lesson Reviews for May - July 2026

Level 1 Course Dates:

6 Wednesdays : 6.30pm - 7.30pm: May 20 |Jun 3, 10, 17 | Jul 1, 8

(No classes on May 27 & June 24)

Progression

Once you complete Level 1 you' re ready for Level 2: a 6-lesson course which continues at 6.30pm starting July 15.

Click below for more details....

Complete Beginners Series

Lesson 6: 8th July

In Lesson 7 we reviewed all moves of the term. No new move was introduced.

Lesson 5: 1st July

In Lesson 5 we introduced the Backward Ocho and added it to the Week 4 move.:

We also introduced the Back Ocho from a Side Step - one of the most direct ways to enter Ochos. Another word for sidestep is "open" step or"Apertura""

Lesson 4: 17th June

In Lesson 4 we introduced the Forward Ocho and added it to the Parallel Cross:

Lesson 3: 10th June

In Lesson 3 we reviewed the Parallel Cross with Resolution and C-Step - noting the similarities and differences between these moves. We then improvised using these moves.

Lesson 2: 3rd June

In Lesson 2 we introduced the Parallel Cross with Resolution.

Note how it differs from the C-Step, and what causes the Follower to the Cross, namely 'the inside - outside rule' meaning 2 consecutive steps from 3rd position leads the Cross.

Tango Positions (Based on the Parallel Cross)

Tango positions are defined using the Parallel Cross and describe how the Leader and Follower are positioned relative to each other at key moments in the movement.

Referencing the video below:

Position 2: 0:06

Position 3: 0:07

Position 4: 0:08

Position 5: 0:09

Suggestion: watch the video on a slow time setting (e.g 0.5) to best understand the transitions.

Further breakdown...

2nd Position

End of the first side step

Leader’s weight is on the left leg
Follower’s weight is on the right leg

3rd Position

End of the Leader’s first “outside” forward step

Leader’s right leg is forward
Follower’s left leg is back
Weight is shared between both legs for both Leader and Follower
This position often feels very crossed-over and compact, requiring clear body alignment and balance.

4th Position

End of the Leader’s second “outside” forward step

Leader’s left leg is forward
Follower’s right leg is back.
Weight is shared between both legs for both Leader and Follower
Leader’s torso is angled slightly to the right toward the Follower (dissociation)

This creates a more open position.

Note that this is contra to normal walking, where the torso naturally rotates in the same direction as the stepping leg.

5th Position

Follower enters the Cross

The Follower transfers her weight onto her left leg as she enters the Cross

This is led by the Leader stepping forward onto the right leg

The Leader’s torso angled leftward toward the Follower

There is no torsion or dissociation in the Leader’s or Follower's bodies at this moment

We will also introduce the Lapiz Walk — an excellent drill to practise between classes to refine your walking technique, balance and musicality:

Lesson 1: 20th May

We covered:

Musicality - walking to single (1-3) double (all beats: 1-2-3-4) and half time (1-1)
Synchronising with a partner
Walking technique (side, forward, back) There are only really 3 steps in tango (a step is defined as a change of weight).
Leading from the core / torso
Practice Hold and open embrace

The move introduced was the 'C Step':

Tango Music - for practicing

Check out Sophia's Spotify lists:

Tango (Trad) Best for practicing musicality - walking to single, double and half time.

Tango (Neo) contemporary songs (good for practicing technique)

Good habits for tango dancers

'Steel vs spaghetti': Your standing leg is like steel - dynamic, strong and grounded, your free leg is like spaghetti: light and loose without tension.
Your free leg hip is loose and level (this removes tension from your free leg)
Never lock your knees: Your standing leg knee is softly flexed (not locked) - this gives you better contact with the floor.
'Collection' - Thigh or ankle (as you prefer) connection as you walk
Push off the floor as you walk - to make your walk more dynamic.
Look forward as you walk (down diagonal is fine but don't look straight down at your feet as this distorts your posture.

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