From today, every day we will post Tango Dictionary, letter by letter each single day, to permit you the correct understanding of all terminology connected with Tango Dance

tango, dictionary of terms

Abrazo embrace 

The tango embrace, in which the lead's right arm is around the follower's back; and the lead's left hand is clasping the follower's right hand.
1. Close Embrace: upper bodies touching or in very close proximity.
2. Open Embrace: no body contact.

Adelante forward 

To dance or move in a forward direction.

Adorno embellishment 

A creative movement that adorns or embellishes the dance.

Aficionado fan 

An enthusiastic follower, devotee or fan of something - in this case tango.

Aguja needle 

A man's embellishment in which the foot is vertical with the toe into the floor whilst pivoting.

Al costado to the side 

To dance or move in a sideways direction.

Amague fake 

Move in one direction that changes the direction at the last second.

Apilado piled on, leaning 

1. When the dancers are off axis and leaning against each other more tha usual.
2. A style of tango dancing which involves leaning.

Arrabal slum 

A term denoting the slums, which were pivotal to the creation of the milonga and tango.

Arrabalero rough 

1. Belonging to the outskirts.
2. Illbred.
3. Rough in dress or manners.

Arranque start 

A device for the leader to create momentum during a molinete: executed by pausing and leading the follower to the side.

Arrastre dragging 

Arrepentida repentant 

Steps which enable a couple to back away from a collision.

Atrás backward 

To dance or move in a backwards direction.