Five Step

Tango Five Step

Tango Five Step is a Gold level figure. This online reference gives a detailed description of the dance steps, including timing, footwork, alignment, and movement; steps diagram; a list of figures that may precede or follow the pattern; and videos providing instruction and demonstration of the figure, techniques and practice routines that include it.

Leader

1. Q: LF fwd in CBMP | DW | H | 1/4 to L between step 1-2. | CBM

2. Q: RF to sdie and slightly back | BDW against LOD | BH

3. Q: LF back in CBMP | DW against LOD | BH

4. Q: RF back and slightly rightwards | DW against LOD | B

   • shaping to R, head to R, then sharp turn to L on next step to PP

5. S: LF placed to side w/o weight in PP | Facing DW of new LOD | H of RF and IE of B of LF | Body turns to R

   • The heel of RF does not lower until Lady has completed her turn on this step.

Follower

1. Q: RF back in CBMP | BDW | BH | 1/4 to L between 1-2. | CBM

   • Throughout the Q steps, stay very left and R side body connected to partner.

2. Q: LF to side and slightly fwd | Pointing DW against LOD | Whole Foot

   • Not an aggressive step, it's whole foot.

   • Finish with weight on LF, use the LF to press and push to move onto next step, and fall forward to next step.

3. Q: RF fwd in CBMP, OPO | DW against LOD | H

   • Do not distort the body and displace rib cage to R. Middle of body/spine is vertical, not slanted forward or backward.

   • Hip has rotation to make room for legs. Body more twisted to R. Head stays very left.

   • The figure has no rise and fall. Do not pop up, especially when using S&QQS timing.

4. Q: LF fwd and slightly leftwards | DW against LOD | B

   • Twisting/extending more to left (giving R side to man, R side is stretch a lot) and take the head more on LF, before sharp head turn to R on S. Head more leftward is a wind up for sharper and more dramatic head flick.

   • This step has a clear stop, on ball of feet, feeling lifted, up to Man, not full weight yet at this time, wait till you feel Man's lead to swivel and then drop into heel on next step to PP.

5. S: RF placed to side w/o weight in PP | Facing DC of new LOD | H of LF and IE of B of RF | Body turns to R.

   • Give R side to Man.

   • The heel of LF does not lower until Lady has completed her turn on this step.

Note:

• • Alternative timing:

    • QQS&S (1/2 1/2 3/4 1/4 1)

    • S&QQS (3/4 1/4 1/2 1/2 1)

      • S: Lady left turn, spiral feet

      • &Q: Lady body really rotates to R

      • Q: Lady extends even further leftward

      • S: sharp turn to PP.

  • Other alignments: Five Step can commence DC and turn:

    • 1/2 to L to end facing DW against LOD

    • 5/8 to L to end facing wall.

    • 3/4 to L to end facing DW.

Preceding Figures

1. Back Corte

2. Back Open Promenade

3. Basic Reverse Turn

4. Closed Promenade

5. Fallaway Reverse and Slip Pivot

6. Four Step Change

7. Open Finish

8. Open Promenade

9. Open Reverse Turn, Lady In Line

10. Open Reverse Turn, Lady Outside

11. Outside Swivel

12. Progressive Side Step Reverse Turn

13. Promenade Link

14. Reverse Outside Swivel

15. Rock Turn

Following Figures

1. Closed Promenade

2. Open Promenade

3. Natural Promenade Turn

4. Promenade Link

5. Back Open Promenade

6. Fallaway Promenade