Walk and Salidas / Walking Systems

There are two walking systems in argentine tango: The Parallel system and the Cross system. Understanding the Parallel and Cross walking systems is extremely important for leaders and followers.

Cross System Walking

Walking in the cross system is when the couple steps simultaneously with their two right legs and with their two left legs.

Parallel System Walking – Sistema Paralelo

Walking in the parallel system is when the couple steps simultaneously with the leader’s right and follower’s left leg, and then with the leader’s left and the follower’s right leg.

The use of two walking systems like this is unique to Argentine Tango. To change from parallel system to cross system or vice versa, the leader changes their weight from one foot to another while the follower’s weight remains unchanged. This weight change is called Contrapaso.

Americana or Promenade

The Americana or Promenade involves walking by facing the same direction and stepping forward. This resembles a walk in the park by sweethearts except in tango the embrace is maintained rather than holding hands.