Linear – body is twisting against itself to keep you moving (and looking) forward. Circular – lower body is still while upper torso completely twists to one side. Shoulders rotating rather than swinging.

The easiest movements are when you’ve already stored tension, and now just have to release it.

What I really meant was “stay in the zone”. Where you’re so focused internally and what you feel. Don’t look around the room, to see who’s looking at you. But it’s easier to just say “keep your eyes down”.

Be very careful how you touch a follower. Your hand could signal her to “stay” and “wait” for your lead. Where you’re leading her not to move. Or you might be touching it in a way that inspires her to “just go” and “keep moving”.

My personal opinions after dancing tango in 30+ countries around the world. It’s always the same factors I see…almost almost always. Some of them are obvious, but some are not.

Surround her as much as possible (body and arms), but just don’t squeeze. Then dance.

When she goes into the side, sit back into your hips (whether you’re taking side-to-back or just straight back step). It helps her back-step sling all the way around.

The art of tanking: Lock down shoulder blades, upper torso weight right over your hips. Keeping head back is nice. Project the push out the rear of your lower back. Lats reach out and around. Arms have a little bit of frame. Where your feet lands sets the cadence.

It’s fun to hit cadences in footwork or hips, but remember to hit with the upper body for the full upstairs sensation effect.