Some Tango Terminology

Front and Back Ochos - 'Ochos Adelante' and 'Ochos Atras'
These figures are mainly danced by the woman, although the men can perform them too. They are one of the most important steps to master. They are essentially basic walks forwards or backwards with an additional pivot in between the two steps. Two steps and two pivots will then make one figure of eight, for which smoothness and fluidity is very important. The figure dates back to the days when a woman would dance in a full length skirt. Since her feet and legs could not be seen, the quality of her dancing was judged by the pattern she left in the dirt.

One variation on these basic 'Ochos' is the Ocho Cortado (a cut ocho). This is a figure which is stopped prematurely by a cutting action from the man in the middle of the step.

Ochos are also often seen as part of the giros (turns), and are often combined with other elements of the dance, like the saccadas, barridas, ganchos or boleos.

Boleo - Seductive and elegant.
Boleos always involve the swivelling action of the hips; and a whiplash effect from one leg - otherwise they look, and feel unfinished. This step is essentially an interrupted Ocho whose energy is released and channelled into a lovely circular or linear movement of the women's leg. With the knees together, and one leg back, the woman swivels, and then returns to the starting position, finishing on the supporting leg. The move should be executed with a whipping action on the working leg.I