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Re: [TANGO-L] Shape of the molinete

On Jan 4, 2006, at 9:24 PM, Trini y Sean (PATangoS) wrote:

Hi Listeros!
...
I am sure that we all learned "chairwork" for the
molinete as an exercise (forward, side, back, side
done in a square pattern).


So with a chair as your steps pivot (F-S-B-S) they cover the angles
Zero, 180, 180, Zero.

If you analyze the actual amount of pivot in a real situation (with a
live partner), you will discover that the amount of angle on each
step is not at all like the chair exercise. I guess the exercise
helps with balance, but I'm not sure it helps with learning the
correct technique for the turn.

However, when I actually dance the molinete, say while
the guy is executing an enrosque, I usually use a
6-sided figure to complete the 360.  This has worked
for me in milonguero and salon (close & open).


The amount of angle covered in each step depends on length of stride
and radius of the turn. If you are at 1/4 arms length, then 4 medium
steps give you 360, while at arms length 6 large steps are needed to
get all the way around.

It is much, much easier to do the turn with a smaller radius..

The other difficulty with a big radius is that compromises are
necessary in either the embrace, the pivot, the spiral or the
connection.

Recently, a nuevo instructor taught the molinete (in
the dance) as a square shape, with the woman stepping
away from the man on her forward step (and stepping
back towards him on the side step).  It seems to give
the man more room for leg interactions.


Sounds like the turn has some spring or acceleration in it, rather
than being smooth and circular.

I have also watched people use a back-step that steps away, sort of a
rock-step, rather than smooth pivot.

There are many techniques for the turn.

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