In literal translation, ‘colgar’ means to hang. But it’s not just any hanging. We are not hanging on our partners, nor we are being hung by them. We (both of us) are hanging off of a shared axis situation, be it position or movement.
The shared axes are created by both – Follower and Leader – sharing the on point of a dance floor as though it was the only available piece of earth that you can be standing on. By using leverage and mechanics of movement we hang outwards sharing the axis through proper distribution of weight.
Mystery of shared axes
To coil or twist, goes even further in the difficultly level. The man is leading the Follower around him but he suspends his pivot for 2-3 steps of the Follower, so his lead torques him into a corkscrew position, which he then releases to generate very sharp ‘un-torquing action. The leader’s free foot is not extended but instead hooked or coiled behind or in front of the standing/supporting leg.
Calecita (carousel)
The leader is using the leverage of his body weight to be able to hold the weight of the Follower and sustain the common axes for the duration of the chosen step. Colgadas can be used during the turn or in a linear position, facing each other or in shadow position, in parallel or perpendicular body alignment, in open, and (yes!) in close embrace.
These very simple tricks will help you to improve the dance experience for you and your dance partner in a few minutes!
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