The Single Axis Turn – The Colgada

2 minutes read

The Single Axis Turn is an unusual turn. It’s a variation of a type of turns called “Colgada Turns”. It’s also not used very much because it’s a difficult turn to pull off, especially at first. B but once mastered, your coolness level as an Argentine Tango dancer goes up tremendously. The challenge that makes the Single Axis Turn difficult is that it involves Off-Axis Movements. Argentine Tango has traditionally been danced largely in close embrace. This turn, though done in Close Embrace, creates a version of Close Embrace that from the couple’s perspective feels very different.

A Single Axis Turn is a type of rotation that occurs between Lead and Follow where the word ‘axis’ refers to not the Follower’s Axis nor is it the Lead’s Axis, but rather an axis shared between the couple. It is important to understand that the Single Axis Turn is a Colgada variation. However, unlike most Colgadas which tend to be danced in Open Embrace, this variation is done largely in Close Embrace. It is small, social and fits within the line and lane of dance that you’re in. At no point should a Single Axis Turn exit that line of dance.

The Single Axis Turn is a rotation around a shared axis line where the couple seemingly in close or open embrace, rotates around this axial line, thereby creating a ‘turn’.

The basics of the Single Axis Turn

Single-axis turns are turns in which the leader and the follower are share an axis while spinning on one foot in place, and then exiting. A single-axis turn can be done in a right or left turn; with either the leader’s right or left foot; and through any step of the follower’s turn.

There are a few secrets to make Single Axis Turns easy:

Leaders:

– Keep your leg, knee and foot relaxed. This allows the leader to land on balance, without knocking the follower out of the way.

– Timing is critical. The follower’s foot hits the ground, and then you step around/behind a split second after they start the weight transfer. This allows you a way out if the partner lands off balance, so that you can bail on the turn, or help the follower regain balance. It also allows you to “ride” the momentum of the follower, instead of working harder.

– Don’t try for super-rotation at the expense of technique: a quarter or half turn is fine as you learn the move. When you and your partner are aligned correctly, you turn a lot more, even without much effort.

– There should be a moment at the end of the turn where there is a feeling of suspension before the exit: don’t fall into an exit, use that suspension and enjoy it!

– Exit with the follower’s easiest exit (usually back or forward). If the leader needs to change feet to stay stable, then do it, but only to exit.

Followers:

– Use your body like a spring: joints are soft and flexible, but the body also stretches on axis so the whole thing doesn’t compress.

– keep your hips “back” for good alignment and to stay on axis.

– Do the best turn you can do, with excellent technique on each step, and you will be on balance, ready for anything. Do not try to help the leader with the step. Focus on doing the best front, side or back step you can.

The Colgada

Colgada are fast turns which takes the woman off her axis or plays with her axis.

You lean away from the partner, holding on to them and distancing the upper bodies.

Barrida with Colgada & Volcada