La Vida del Tango

Every so often we hope to address a new problem in "steps" or in technical matters in the dance in general.  Please feel free to send in your questions, and we'll turn them over to the experts and try to help! Write to us at info@lavidadeltango.org

The molinete

The focus of our May 1 edition of “Tango Secrets with Dragan Ranitovic” will be the molinete.  The molinete is a sequence of movements that is often taught early in tango pedagogy.  Literally, in Spanish, molinete is a “windmill” (cf. the French moulin, as in “Moulin Rouge”).  Figuratively, the term refers to the windmill-like pattern made when one dancer, usually the woman, dances around the man in a particular sequence of steps: forward, side, back, side.

The molinete allows for many different variations and is extremely useful when the floor is crowded and one must dance in a small space.  The molinete does not necessarily begin with a “forward step” but may begin anywhere in this sequence.  Thus, it may be, for example, side, back, side, forward; or back, side, forward, side.  It may be repeated more than once, although more than two repetitions in the same direction may lead to dizziness on the part of the leader or follower, or may simply be felt to be too repetitive.

In many classes, the molinete is also taught to a specific rhythm, with the “back, side” part being danced to a “quick quick” tempo.  That is, when the woman is executing “forward, side, back, side, forward,” it would be done to this rhythm: slow, slow, quick, quick slow.

In theory, this all may sound rather simple.  This sequence, however, presents some intricate problems for the tango dancer.  It is one of the few moments in the dance when navigation for the woman is paramount; and where to step can be a tricky matter.  A common problem in executing this sequence is that the follower, in order to compensate for the quick-quick slow tempo, may rush, and foreshorten her “back, side” steps.  For his part, the man is often leading this figure too quickly without an appropriate sense of what his partner needs to be doing.

Is there a solution to this?

Of course!

Dancing well is not especially difficult.  But it requires awareness, attention, and will power.  If we are to dance well together as a couple, it is obviously best if both dancers possess these.

In the “Tango Secrets” workshop on Sunday, May 1, maestro Dragan will focus our attention on the details that will make the molinete work for both leader and follower.  Students will learn how a molinete may be generated one step at a time, and that it not need be an automatic series of four or more movements.  Of key importance here is for the woman to complete each of her changes of weight (each step) before proceeding to the next part of the sequence. Leaders will need to recognize this, and thus modulate their lead so that the woman can achieve this comfortably, without feeling rushed.

In both workshops, starting with “Tango Pieces” and continuing in “Tango Mosaic,” women will learn when and how to execute a molinete; when to use “double time” and when not to; when to keep moving and when to pause; and how to judge where to step based on an awareness of the man’s axis (is it stationary or is it moving?).  Men will learn how to effectively initiate a molinete, and will be encouraged to maintain an awareness of the woman’s movement sequence, which will allow the leader to take advantage of additional creative possibilities (sacadas, planeo, lapis, enrosque).

We hope to see you there!  Please check our “workshops” page for details!