Tango Grande

{1921}



Introduction

The Tango Grande is a tango sequence dance composed by T. W. Dey in 1921.

The version described below is Nick's best interpretation of the somewhat unclear (and seemingly undanceable) original. The steps are the same, but the feet they are danced with are sometimes different, so as to use the foot that is comfortably available at the time.



The Position

Closed position, Lead facing LOD.


The Dance

Part I - Back the Follow and Close (4 bars): Starting Lead's right, back the Follow two steps (1, 2), then side (3), close (4) toward outside wall. Repeat (5, 6, 7, 8).

Part II - Chassé and Dip, Back the Follow (4 bars): Starting Lead's right, back the Follow one step (1), two-step diagonally forward to the left (2-and-3), then the Lead dips back on right as the Follow dips forward on left (4). Then back the Follow four steps (5, 6, 7, 8).

Part III - Chassé and Dip, Pivot (4 bars): Starting Lead's left, back the Follow one step (1), two-step diagonally forward to the right (2-and-3), then the Lead dips back on left as the Follow dips forward on right (4). Starting with the Follow backing around with left foot, pivot two steps to complete a full turn (5, 6), then back the Follow two steps along LOD (7, 8).

Part IV - Ronde de Jambe and Dip (4 bars): Starting Lead's right, back the Follow one step (1), then ronde de jambe the left foot forward (2) into another Follow-backing step (3), extending the right leg back, then dip back onto it (4). Repeat on the other foot (5, 6, 7, 8).

Repeat from the beginning.


The Music

"Tango Grande" by Harry Wood is the specified tune, but it doesn't appear to have been recorded, so any square, early 20th century tango will do.


Sources


© 2019 Nick Enge


For more dance descriptions, see our three books on dancing:
The Book of Mixers: 100 Easy-Teach Dances for Getting Acquainted (2022) by Richard Powers and Nick & Melissa Enge,
Cross-Step Waltz: A Dancer's Guide (2019) by Richard Powers and Nick & Melissa Enge, and
Waltzing: A Manual for Dancing and Living (2013) by Richard Powers and Nick Enge.


Home     About     Dances     Manuals     Search