Sliding Arm in Tango

[Dancebug]

Hi,

I have a problem with my left arm in international Tango. I find it is not easy to keep my arm in one place. When we go into a promenade position from a closed or vice versa, I notice my arm does not stay on the same spot on man's right, if I don't really think about it. Any suggestion how to keep it nice and gracefully on the same spot of man's right arm?
Thank you.

 

[wyllo]

When you go into promenade are you taking your right side away from your partner? This will 'crunch' your left side with your partner's right side and force your left arm out of position. Keep your right side towards your partner to create an even and open frame. There is a good deal more nuance when it comes to promenade position, but that's the best help I can give you. Maybe some of the more experienced dancers here will chime in.

 

[Dancebug]

wyllo,

I don't take my right side away from my partner when we go into a promenade postition, but my partner does his left side. Actually it is one of things that my partner is told again and again. Our promenade postition looks too open because of this problem. Sometimes I wonder why it is so hard for my partner to keep his left side more closed. Do you think it may have soemthing to do with my sliding arm?

 

[wyllo]

Yep, that's probably it. Sorry I was so quick to blame you. Promenade position is difficult because it requires a bit of flexibilty in the upper body, so your partner may need to work on isolating his shoulders from his hips.

He also may need to clarify the lead for promenade position with your instructor. If he is trying to lead you with his right arm, this may cause him to turn his left side away from you - which will create that uncomfortable crunch on your left side and slide your arm out of position. One way I've been told to think about the lead for promdenade is for the lead to bring his left side towards the follow, not away.

 

[Joe]

If your partner is taking his left side away, that probably means he's changing the angle of his right arm, which is what's causing your problem.