Giro for beginners and intermediates
This brief lesson is made for those who have just learned the giro and molinete (aka grapevine) figures at a tango lesson or workshop. However, it can be useful for those who want to find out more about this famous combination or simply refresh their memory.
The names of the figure
1. Giro (spanish) vagy turn (english) Sometimes we call this a turn, however the original name – giro – is often used. The term contragiro refers to a giro executed in the opposite direction of the original version. 2. Molinete (spanish) Sometimes called windmill in english. An interesting fact: the same term is used in the Spain to describe a move of the matadors. However, it is normally referred to as molinete as an alternative to giro.
3. Grapevine, lady’s turn These terms are occasionally used in video lessons / during courses.
The concept of giro
The follower (usually the woman) uses a sequence of the following combination: side step – back step – side step – forward step – side step – back step – side step – etc. Giro can be either the figures and combinations made up by the above described steps or the steps of the woman.
Watch the steps of the follower (Jordi -TangoTools).
Now that the concept of giro is clear, let’s take a look at some different combinations:
Diego Blanco & Ana Pedron – How to do the grapevine
Osvaldo Zotto & Mora Godo – Turn with rulo
Dario’s Tango Guide The Grapevine (slightly different due to the man’s moves)
Keeping in mind the above presented versions, take a look at an advanced molinete combination by Jordi & Lia
Please keep in mind the endless possibilities of giro-variations! Depending on which one you are trying to learn, you will have to consider different things, such as:
A real molinete
*The amount of isolation during the molinete.
*The amount of dynamics and impulse used during the backward ocho.
The rhythm of the giro.
*The number of steps required to get around the man – some teachers describe the arc as a triangle instead of a square. Yet other teachers say it is perfectly acceptable to squeeze more steps into the giro before completing the circle around the man.
*The way you lead, start, slow down or accelerate a giro. Some say the man starts the giro by opening his left arm and chest. Others “trap” the woman between their arms and lead her, yet others prefer to “push” the woman with the right hand. Others use the positioning of the center of the leader’s chest and the shoulder of the woman….
Interesting questions, worth thinking about the answers!
During my time in Buenos Aires I took classes with many ex-world champions. (Tango de salon: Fabian Peralta, Daniel Nacucchio, Dante Sanchez. stage tango: Diego Ortega) Their explanations about giro techniques were different, often contradicting one another.
EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM WORKED!!!
An advice to take: do not over complicate or think too much about the technicalities of giro unless you want to literally go mad over it. Your technique and stamina will improve by practice only.
And finally some advice for practicing:
1. work with the floor. Push hard into the floor when walking around.
2. keep your core active! (yup, this sounds like a cliche…)
3. focus on the connection in between the arms
4. do not over-stretch or strain your back
Molinete en castellano-argentino, es el aparato que controla la entrada y salida de los medios de transporte como el metro (subway). Es la acepción mas común aquí.
A windmill es un molino, de moler cosas como el trigo.