The Forward Ocho
The Forward Ocho is also known as the Front Ocho or as the Ocho Adelante. The Front Ocho is taught as one of the main beginner lessons so is one of the foundational steps or argentine tango. The name “Ocho” means “eight” in Spanish and originates from the figure of eight that the follower’s footsteps perform on the dance floor.
The steps in the Front Ocho are as follows:
The Front Ocho is initiated by and led by the leader at all times. The front Ocho can be started from almost anywhere, but there are two starting points that are the most common. One is from the Cross (step 5 in the Basic Eight). The other is from step 2 in the Basic Eight.
The Front Ocho consists of the leader inviting the follower (by turning his chest resulting on his arms turning) to pivot about ninety degrees and then to step forward between and perpendicular to the line between the partners. Both leader and follower must dissociate to keep chests facing each other. This forward step of the follower is taken with the left foot if begun from step 2 of the basic eight and is taken with the right foot if begun from the Cross. The cross forward step is then followed by a half-turn 180 degree pivot leading to a repeat of the front cross with the other foot in the opposite direction. The follower should pivot with their legs together. Followers must keep their feet and legs together as they pivot. After stepping with the working leg (which will pivot), the free foot must immediately be brought next to the working leg. The follower should follow only what is led. The follower waits for the lead at all times. If nothing is led, the follower should wait and do nothing. Once a follower gets into the rhythm of the front ocho they want to keep going. This urge should be resisted.
The leader will typically take the follower thru either 2 or 4 forward cross steps before exiting the front ocho. There are a number of ways to exit the front ocho. The most straightforward is to stop one of the pivots at a quarter or 90 degree turn so that the follower finishes facing the leader. If this is on the open side the follower’s right foot will be free. The leader should shift to their right foot so they can then step forward on their left and go to a typical tango close or resolution (step 6 in the Basic Eight). If the pivot on the closed side was where the front ocho was stopped, the follower’s left foot will be free. The leader should shift their weight onto their left so that they may step back with their right (step 1 of the Basic Eight).
For the best Forward Ocho technique both the leader and the follower must dance smoothly on one level. They should not bob up and down. To do this the knees must be kept soft throughout the movement.
