Tango Terminology*

Adelante
The front ocho is a basic movement in Argentine tango, executed by a turn and forward step that is going in one direction, then reversed wherein the upper torso from ribcage up is disassociated from the hips and legs. This figure is also known as forward ocho, ocho defrente and ocho adelante. The cruzada (fifth count of the basic) is a good starting point to execute the front ocho

Back Ocho (ocho atras)
El ocho is considered to be one of the oldest figures in the Argentine tango. This figure dates back to the era where women danced in long dresses on dusty floors. The fancy footwork of the lady could not be observed. Only the trail they left behind on the dusty floor made it possible to assess her dancing skills.
The next footwork diagram shows how to get into a back ocho.
In the 'entry' a foot change is applied: the follower weight remains on the same foot during step 2 and 3.

Tango walk (Caminada)
The foundation of the Argentine tango is ... just walking. Compared to ordinary walking the Caminada distinguishes itself on three aspects: more upright, in a narrower track and a bit like a prowling cat. With enough space to dance the Caminada will allow you to take a corner.

Cruzar: to cross
The 'official Argentine tango basic step is the short basic step supplemented by a cross step (cruzada).
The Basico con Cruzada consist of 8 steps with a duration of 8 counts.
During step 2, 3 and 4 one's torso is dissociated from the hips. This is a result of the leader leading with his torso and the continuous connection between the dance partners. Drawing a line between the weight-bearing feet of follower and leader indicates the direction of both torso's facing each other.

The boleo ( a type of throwing/swiveling action) that gauchos do with their boleadores is an embellishment caused by the 'whip' action of the follower, executed when an ocho is quickly reversed in the middle. The follower's free foot is thrown to the side and wraps around her leg at the knee. It is considered an embellishment because the follower forces her pelvis to disassociate from her upper half during the rotation, allowing her free leg to be thrown up and around in a decorative flourish. It should be noted that the actual whipping action of the leg during a boleo is called the latigazo (lash).

There are two variations of the boleo: back and front.

BOLEO PARA ATRÁS (BACK OCHO)

BOLEO DE FRENTE (FORWARD OCHO)