The Follower's Secret Guide to Embellishments

(They handed this out to followers the same day they gave this out to leaders, I swear. It’s astonishing how often I see these.)

SO YOU WANT TO TANGO

You’re on your way to becoming a beautiful tango follower. Congratulations! A world of passion awaits you. And passion gets you dances. Of course, musicality is so subjective that some leaders might not notice your passion unless you really WORK to get that message across. The easiest way to telegraph passion?

Embellishments.

Sure, Jennifer Bratt has a tutorial on nearly every embellishment you can do in close embrace. But why stick to those old, conservative adornos? Mix it up! Try some of these modern interpretations.

Ancla. Is he leading a low boleo? Make sure your foot really sweeps the floor by sagging in his arms to get that last little inch. Don’t worry, he can hold you up, and it looks extra-sad! Make no mind of other people on the dance floor – a swift, swinging object is no danger there.

Frotación. When the man invites the woman to step over, he is asking her to take the musicality into her own hands and create the most poignant adornos possible to enhance the song and create a deeper communication within the dance itself. Reward such a gallant gesture by sliding your foot from his ankle to his hip, as slowly as possible; repeat from the crotch to the floor on the way down his instep. If the music allows, rub from knee to ankle a few more times to show your gratitude. If you’re really, really grateful, make another trip to the crotch.

Perforado. This is a tricky one, and should be attempted only by those who are sure of their own strength. Wait until led into a front ocho; on the pivot, fling the free leg into the air parallel to the floor and out behind you as far as you can. This is a display of tone and flexibility, and you will know is has been successful when someone cries out that you have pierced their leg with your heel. Victory!