Here’s a simple tangos marcaje you can use to work on:
Pitos (finger snaps),
Hips,
Coordination, and
Arm positioning
Let’s take a look step by step…
Some notes:
First Learn the Feet
You’re going to alternate stepping right and left while you raise the arms.
You may start with either the right or left foot.
Step with the ball of your foot first.
You step every other beat, on the beats of 1, 3, 5 & 7.
Then Add the Hips
Once you have the rhythm down, add some hips.
As you alternate feet, gently swing your hips side to side keeping your energy down in the lower half of the body.
Next Add the Arms
As you raise your arms, be sure to lead with the elbows!
When you bring the arms down drop the elbows but leave some space between your upper arms and the sides of your body.
(As I like to say, air out your armpits.)
Finally Add Pitos, Finger Snaps
They go off and on the beat skipping the beat of 1 and the best between 7 & 8.
(My left pitos are pretty weak. Can you tell?)
And, have fun with it!
Adaptations:
𝟭. Do the step without pitos, or only snap while you raise or lower your arms.
𝟮. Instead of snapping off the beat, snap on the beat.
We are doing a variation of this step in Beginning Baile, (online and in person options) and you’re welcome to join!