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Topic

abrazo (open / close embrace)

The abrazo, or embrace, is an element of Argentine tango: the embrace that connects the two partners [1][2][3][4]. It is described in two main forms, the close embrace (abrazo cerrado) and the open embrace (abierto) [1][2][3][4].

Key facts

Key facts

Category
Element[1][2][3][4]
Definition
The embrace connecting partners[1][2][3][4]
Close embrace (abrazo cerrado)
Chests touch; couple shares a near-common axis[1][2][3][4]
Open embrace (abierto)
Space between torsos, allowing more leg figures[1][2][3][4]

In tango terminology the abrazo is classed as an element of the dance [1][2][3][4]. It is defined as the embrace connecting partners [1][2][3][4].

Sources distinguish between a close embrace and an open embrace [1][2][3][4]. In the close embrace (abrazo cerrado), the partners' chests touch and the couple shares a near-common axis [1][2][3][4]. In the open embrace (abierto), there is space between the partners' torsos, which allows more leg figures [1][2][3][4].

Dance notes

The two forms of the embrace are described as follows [1][2][3][4]:

  • Close embrace (abrazo cerrado): chests touch and the couple shares a near-common axis [1][2][3][4]
  • Open embrace (abierto): there is space between torsos, allowing more leg figures [1][2][3][4]

What we don't know yet

  • Origin of the abrazo is not verified in the dossier and is omitted.
  • No dated information; no reliable year or timeline for the development of the open or close embrace.
  • No source on history, regional or stylistic variants beyond the open/close distinction.
  • No source on technique details (arm position, posture, weight) beyond the definition.
  • No source on association with particular dance styles, eras, orchestras or dancers.
  • No related entities listed in the dossier.
  • No source excerpts available for quotation.

References

How Tangopedia works

  1. en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.orgSource page
  2. en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org
  3. austintango.org · austintango.org
  4. www.tarbesentango.fr · tarbesentango.fr
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