77  More on Calesita

Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2001 19:51:27 -0700
From: Michael Ditkoff <tangomaniac@JUNO.COM>
Subject: More on Calesita

I reviewed an excellent tango reference book "Quickstart to Tango" by
Jeff Allen to get more info on the calesita. (I wrote a favorable book
review in "La Voz del Tango" magazine last year). Jeff and I discussed,
via email, points in his book dealing with calesita. He gave me
permission to publish the relevant portions of his message below.

La calesita (the carousel) is really no more difficult than an ocho or
boleo for an experienced couple so what key points of my text or areas of
concentration would be helpful?

Here are a few:

1. Developing Center Feeling and Control pp 24 & 25
La calesita requires the follower to exhibit excellence in abdominal
control!!

2. The Rule of "Step, Then Turn & The Optimum Time to Lead Rotation pp
28-31

"As the knees pass," in this case as the follower's thigh is closing
forward, the leader allows or encourages (as the case may be) the
follower's body to continue forward (NOT UP!!) through their supporting
foot. Up or Lift is the product of the body's center moving from the
heel, arch, metatarsal, and in coincidence the metatarsal and the big toe

3. "The Arms and Hands: Structure, Position, & Usage - all very important
particularly the concluding remarks of the arms moving in conjunction
with the body.

4. On Page 89 I actually mention La Calesita as an advanced version of a
Giro using the technique of Enrosque p. 90.

P.S. I'm not selling the book, but if you want a copy, write to
dancebook@earthlink.net