Argentine Tango: The Eight

Argentine Tango: The Eight

The eight is a key step in the Argentine Tango. Follow our guidelines to learn how and when to incorporate it into your dance. Follow this excellent tutorial to enjoy the Argentine tango.

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Step 1:

The Eight for the Leader

Starting with the basic step, step back onto the right foot, draw the left foot into the right and then step side onto the left. Now draw the right foot into the left and step forward onto the right then forward onto the left and bring your feet together. At this point the woman will perform her part of the eight under your guidance.

When you want her to finish, step forward onto the left foot, draw the right into the left, step side onto it and close the left in.

Now try it at a faster pace:

Back right, side left, forward right, forward left and close.

Guide the woman through the eight.

Then forward left, side right and close to finish the sequence.

Notice that although it is the woman who actually performs the eight, the man has to initiate the movement using his chest as an indicator.

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Step 2:

The Eight for the Follower

Step forward onto your left foot, draw the right foot into the left and step side onto the right,

Now draw the left foot into the right and step back onto the left, then step back onto the right and cross the left foot in front of the right.

This is where the eight movement starts - cross the right over the left and left over the right - sketching out the figure of eight on the floor - and to finish, step back onto the right, draw the left foot into the right and step side onto the left and close the right in.

Now try the sequence a little faster:

Forward left, side right, back left, back right, cross left, cross right, cross left, back right, side left and close right.

A good tip to remember is that only the hips should be moving, not the upper body.

As you become more familiar with this step, try incorporating it into the basic steps you have already learnt. And with more practise you can progress to the dance floor to show off your skills.