Argentine Tango Lesson 16: Secret Weight Changes

The "secret" weight change is used to get into and out of the cross-foot system. We call this a secret weight change because we don't want our partner to feel us changing weight. If our partner can feel us change weight, then they will change as well, which is what we are trying to avoid. Leaders, when you make this change, you want it to be smooth. It's best to practice this without a partner 10-20 times. Try to imagine where your partner will be in space as you practice this. If you can't physically imagine your partner, like me, try to logic out where your partner would be.

Followers, once you start doing this together, you're going to feel the weight change. You're going to feel it almost every time and leader does it because it's nearly impossible to make it SO smooth that you can't feel some change. That being said, we will understand what the leader is going for and I would suggest if you're new to tango and practicing this change with a partner/friend for the first time, let the change happen the first 20-100 times with your partner until they get the mechanics down pat. Once they have the mechanics down, then start to hold your partner to a standard of smoothness to lessen the feeling of the weight change.

Leaders, know that your partner is doing you a favor for those first 100 times and know that it is your job to make this feel more smooth and more silent as time goes on.