1991  Three- & 4-step patterns instead of 8CB w/DBS

Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2003 17:30:23 -0700
From: Tom Stermitz <Stermitz@RAGTIME.ORG>
Subject: Three- & 4-step patterns instead of 8CB w/DBS

I received a question regarding something I wrote:

>Can you describe a "3 step pattern" that is useful for navigating around a
>crowded floor? Thanks.

EXTREMELY common 3 step pattern:

Q-Q-S, Q-Q-S

Well OK, that is six steps, but doing a double Q-Q-S fits the
rhythmic drive of D'Arienzo, while following the typical 4-beat
phrases of tango or waltz.

So, some of the most common elements of tango (corridas, rock-steps,
ocho cortados, milonga tras pie, getting in and out of ochos), all
use the Q-Q-S structure.

Obviously, the rock-step is necessary for navigation, as it gets the
couple out of trouble when the person in front of us does the Dreaded
Back Step. (Although a stiff arm to the leader's back gives him
better feedback that he has caused a problem).


Extremely Common Four-Step Pattern:

S-S-S-S:

Forward, Forward, Forward, Together or
Forward, Forward, Forward, Cross or
Forward, Together, Forward, Together

These are right on the 4-beat "walking" phrase of tango. The Cross or
the Together step at the end of the phrase, provides the "period" or
"comma" of the musical sentence, and the Initiation of the Forward
step provides the pulse of tango.

Assembled this way, the movements have dynamics and energy
corresponding to the musical phrase. These are MUSICAL phrases or
partial phrases.


A very easy-to-learn curriculum can be built out of those two 3 & 4
Step patterns, swapping between milonga, tango & waltz.

A beginner can improvise on 2 or 3 of these elements in one class. By
the end of four classes, he can improvise on 5 or 6 of these
elements. Learning tango this way means that rhythm, music and
improvisation are inherent in from the first day.



--

Tom Stermitz
https://www.tango.org/
stermitz@tango.org
303-388-2560

Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2003 19:59:12 -0800
From: Philip Seyer <philipseyer@ILOVEMUSIC.COM>
Subject: Re: Three- & 4-step patterns instead of 8CB w/DBS

Tom Stermitz wrote:
. . .

> EXTREMELY common 3 step pattern:
>
> Q-Q-S, Q-Q-S

. . .

Thanks for your post Tom. For the QQS QQS pattern, where does the leader
step? Are these all forward steps? I assume there is a weight change on
each step, correct?

I like the way you clarified the S-S-S-S rhythm with "Forward, Forward,
Forward, Together" etc.