Tangorita

{1920}

Introduction

The Tangorita is an early tango sequence dance composed by Mrs. Mary Cheshire in 1920.

Reconstruction by Nick and Melissa Enge, with helpful feedback from Richard Powers.

The Position

Closed position, Lead facing LOD.

The Dance

Part I - Back the Follow, Rueda (4 bars): Starting Lead's left, back the Follow two steps (1, 2), then both step side (3), close (4) toward center of the room, the Lead taking larger steps to shift out to right-side position. Wheel around each other four steps until both facing LOD (5, 6, 7, 8).

Part II - Promenade, Dip, and Cross Step Turn (4 bars): Promenade two steps along LOD (1, 2), bending both knees on the second step, then rock back out of it on outside foot (3), take another step back along LOD with inside foot (and), and step forward along LOD with outside foot (4). Cross through with inside foot (5), then pivot halfway around to reverse promenade position, elbows pointing along LOD, in two steps, Lead backing (6) and step side along LOD (7), then cross through along LOD (8).

Part III - Repeat Part II on Other Foot (4 bars): Repeat Part II over the elbows with the other foot (1, 2, 3-and-4, 5, 6, 7, 8), ending in promenade position, both facing LOD.

Part IV - Chassé, Pivot, Zig Zag (4 bars): Face partner and chassé twice along LOD (1-and-2-and), then pivot 3/4 to the right in two steps, Lead backing (3), then Follow backing (4). Then two-step diagonally forward toward center (5-and-6) and to outside wall (7-and-8).

Repeat from the beginning.

The Music

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

Sources

Mrs. Mary Cheshire. (1920). Tangorita, New Round Dance. London.

See Original Description

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.

For full-length teaching videos, visit: University of Dance.

For help crafting a life you love, visit: Project Quartz.

Home About Dances Manuals Search