Tango Four Step
The Four Step is a Silver 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.
Four step can be commenced in different alignments:
- Start with Man facing wall, as shown in chart below.
- Start with Man facing DW, different endings:
- Man makes no turn on between 1-2 to end facing DW, or
- Man makes 1/8 to L to end facing LOD to follow with Promenade figure moving DC, or,
- Man makes 1/4 to L to end facing DC DC to move to center.
- Start with man facing DW near a corner, different endings:
- Man turns 1/4 to L between 1-2 to end facing DW of new LOD to follow with a Promenade figure along new LOD, or
- Man turns 1/8 to L between 1-2 to face wall to follow with a Promenade figure moving DW of new LOD.
Leader
Step |
Timing |
Movement
|
Alignment |
Footwork |
Turn |
CBM |
Notes |
1
|
Q
|
LF fwd in CBMP
|
To Wall
|
H
|
1/8 to L between 1-2
|
CBM
|
Compress through right shoulder, hip and foot, use small range of motion (not much turn). Do not over turn upper body.
|
2
|
Q |
RF to side and slightly back
|
Backing DC against LOD
|
BH
|
-- |
--
|
|
3 |
Q |
LF back in CBMP
|
Backing DC against LOD
|
BH
|
--
|
--
|
Compress right side, pull back right hip to allow lady to step outside partner. Do not rotate too much. |
4
|
Q
|
RF closes to LF slightly back in PP
|
Facing DW
|
BH
|
--
|
--
|
For sharper action to turn lady, change weight and then turn lady to PP, elbow points is rotating to right just a bit, but do not rotate lady behind, do still keep lady in front. Separate weight change and turning Lady for a sharper, staccato effect.
In leading, when the man's right foot comes together with the left
foot, this blocks the lady's left foot from moving, so this forces her
to change weight. If the man left his right foot forward, the lady
could swivel, and continue to step forward with the left foot. |
Follower
Step |
Timing |
Movement
|
Alignment |
Footwork |
Turn |
CBM
|
Notes |
1 |
Q
|
RF back in CBMP
|
Backing wall
|
BH
|
1/8 between 1-2
|
CBM
|
The figure does not start with RF moving, it starts with allowing left hip to release and rotate to left before moving right foot. It's always the standing hip that releases to create the movement. Right thigh actually relaxed down, starting first CBMP position. Do not just step RF straight back. Place RF underneath the body. |
2 |
Q |
LF to side and slightly fwd
|
Pointing DC against LOD
|
whole foot
|
-- |
-- |
It's a quiet step, not a heel lead step, do not be too powerful here. |
3 |
Q |
RF in CBMP, OP
|
DC against LOD |
HB (foot flat)
|
1/4 to R between 3-4
|
CBM
|
At end of this step, simply swivel the RF and then place the LF underneath the body. Leaving the frame to Man and allow hip to rotate. All the turn to happen only at the waist area only, do not involve shoulder.
For sharper action, allow weight transfer first and then turn more sharply. |
4
|
Q
|
LF closes to RF slightly back in PP
|
Facing DC
|
BH
|
--
|
--
|
Ending in PP position. |
|
|