#tango dictionary

Abanico Definition The Abanico, Spanish for “fan,” is a follower’s embellishment, or adorno. In a moment of pause, the follower pivots on their standing leg while the free leg traces a semi-circular, fan-like shape on the floor. It is not led directly, but rather invited by the leader creating a space in the music and the movement for the follower to express herself. Abanico in the Soul of…

Amague Definition An amague, in its most literal sense, is a feint, a threat, or a bluff. In the language of tango, it is a deceptive movement, an intention of a step that is initiated but not completed. It can be a simple tap of the foot, a small circular motion on the floor, or a subtle shift of weight that suggests a change of direction. It is a pause filled with potential, an adornment that…

Barrio Definition In Spanish, a simple word: neighborhood. In the language of tango, it is the earth from which the dance grows. The barrio is not just a geographical location on a map of Buenos Aires; it is a spiritual address, a source of identity, a memory of cobblestones and gas lamps that you carry in your shoes, no matter where in the world you dance. It is the cradle, the cuna, that rocks…

Chiche Definition A chiche, my friend, is a whisper in the conversation of tango. In its most literal sense, it is a small, quick, decorative movement, usually performed with the free foot. A little flick, a tap, a soft caress of the floor or the partner’s ankle. It is not a step. It is not a figure. It is an embellishment, an adorno. Think of it not as the sentence, but as the punctuation—the…

Compadre Definition The cup of cortado steams on the marble table, a small cloud of warmth in the cool, echoing space of the café. To speak of the compadre is to speak of the pillar upon which tango was built. The literal translation, “godfather” or “close friend,” is a pale shadow of the truth. In the world of tango, the compadre is an archetype, a social figure from the old neighborhoods. He is…

Corrida Definition Ah, the corrida. The word itself means “a run,” or “running steps.” In the language of tango, it is a series of small, quick, forward steps, typically led by the leader as the follower mirrors the rhythm with backward steps. It is a moment of acceleration, a burst of staccato energy that punctuates the smooth, legato flow of the walk. But to call it just “running steps” is like…

Desplazamiento Definition Desplazamiento, which translates to “displacement” or “movement,” is a fundamental action in tango where one dancer displaces the other’s leg or foot to occupy the space it just vacated. It is a subtle and elegant invasion of space, a shared step where one person’s movement creates the path for the other. Desplazamiento in the Soul of Tango Ah, the desplazamiento. We sit…

Orillero Definition Orillero, in its most literal sense, means “from the shore” or “from the edge.” In the world of tango, it refers to the earliest style of the dance, born in the orillas or arrabales—the impoverished, tough, and vibrant outskirts of a turn-of-the-century Buenos Aires. It is a style characterized by more space between the partners, a playful and sometimes provocative attitude,…