Tango Notes

Colgada

The Colgada is an off-axis move where the W is leaning away from the M using rotation with a centrifugal effect.  The Colgada is also called a single axis or shared axis turn.

Video Lessons

Video Demos

Entry to the Colgada 

Colgadas, a single-axis rotational move where there is the feeling and appearance of the partners hanging away from their center, should be done carefully.

  • Many colgadas start with a loose Sandwich so that both dancers  can pivot around a common point.
  • Many followers do not feel comfortable being off axis, so leaders should start with mild colgadas to see how the follower reacts.
  • Colgadas involve a cw or ccw rotation.   Try to get rotational momentum before going into the Colgada, eg from a Front Ocho.
  • If W’s free foot is toward the inside, then the follower will be leaning out.   If the follower’s free foot is outside, it may be extended for a planeo and the follower will be more upright on a bent knee.
  • The follower should not lean back from the waist.

Colgada from Front Ocho / Front Cross

  • Colgada ccw from WL FCross/FOcho. ML near WL facing same way [move Colg01s]
    • As WL steps fwd in FCross,  ML steps loosely beside WL, starting a ccw Pivot.
    • MR (near) Sandwiches WL continuing the ccw Pivot.
    • WR behind (outside) starting a low planeo ending optionally with BBoleo.
    • Shift weight onto MR.
    • ML step back. WR can be lead to several moves, including Volcada or Pasada 
  • Colgada cw from WR FCross. MR near WR facing same way [move Colg01s]
    • Mirror image of ccw move.
    • As WR steps fwd in FOcho, MR goes with it, starting a CW Pivot.
    • ML (near) Sandwiches WR continuing the CW Pivot.
    • WL behind (outside) starting a low planeo with optional BBoleo.
    • Shift weight onto ML.
    • MR step back. WL returns with Pasada…
  • Colgada ccw from MR Par WR > WL Pasada. [move Colg07]
    • MR paradas WR (eg in FOchof).
    • As WL steps over, lean out starting a ccw rotation.
    • Like a normal Pasada, but with Colgada styling.

Colgada from Sailor

Sailor may be difficult to get rotational momentum.

  • From Sailor WL CCW outside [move Colg02s]
  • From SailorR. Inside CCW [move Colg02s]
    • MR parada WR.
    • WL Stepover w inside CCW Colgada.

Colgada from #2

  • @2 MR Paradas WR, starting W in a ccw low boleo.
  • As M starts rotating W cw, ML moves to sandwich WR.
  • Pivot W cw as far as reasonable.
  • MR back leading WL to step forward together.
  • [Video CS20] See video list above.

Colgada from Back Cross

  • Colgada cw from WR BCross > MR Parada WR.
    • Overturn WR BCross to start cw rotation.
    • MR (near) Paradas WR when doing WR BCross.
    • Lead WL to step back over MR (unnatural unless done before).
    • ML semi-sandwiches (step further) as WR Pivot cw.
    • Video: Scott, Kim and Lee.  2019-08-12 by Erin at Lee’s outdoor milonga. 

Colgada from Crossfoot rock [Colg05] and [Colg06]

Colgada from “Nuevas Colgadas” video p1 @20s ??

  • 2 > Piv -270 M weight starting on ML and transferring it to MR.
  • WL never crosses behind WR.  Bring W back to axis to finish, ie before BOcho.
  • Finish with BOcho.