Adornos: Golpes or Toe Taps

One kind of Adorno is Golpes (Toe Taps). Normally when taking a step the foot glides along just above the floor as it moves through the neutral position. But you can also do a Golpe (or a toe tap) as your foot approaches the neutral position on the forward step or even when standing still. Tilt the foot and tap the floor with the toe of the shoe. It is possible to vary the force of the toe tap. You can also vary the height the lower leg bounces after the tap, however keep the knees together and only let the lower leg bounce. If dancing on a nearly empty floor or performing in a show then it is ok to do a bounce that kicks the leg as far back and high as one’s physique allows.

In a crowded milonga avoid doing Golpes. Alternatively, do Golpecitos (Little Toe Taps). These are performed with a level, not a tilted foot, meaning the tap is done with the ball of the foot or the underside of the toes. The tap can be hard enough to make a click or so soft it just touches the floor. Unlike Golpes, Golpecitos can be done walking backwards as well as forwards.