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Topic

Ocho

The ocho is a figure in Argentine tango in which the follower's feet trace a figure-eight [1][2][3]. It is danced with pivoting steps, either forward (ocho adelante) or backward (ocho atrás) [1][2][3].

Key facts

Key facts

Category
Figure[1][2][3]
Definition
A figure-eight traced by the follower's feet via pivoting forward or backward steps[1][2][3]
Variants
Ocho adelante (forward); ocho atrás (backward)[1][2][3]

The ocho is classified as a figure in tango terminology [1][2][3]. Sources describe it as a figure-eight traced by the follower's feet [1][2][3].

The figure is made through pivoting steps [1][2][3]. Sources name two forms, the forward ocho (ocho adelante) and the backward ocho (ocho atrás) [1][2][3].

Dance notes

Sources describe two variants of the figure, which differ in the direction of the follower's pivoting steps [1][2][3]:

  • Ocho adelante: the figure-eight traced with pivoting forward steps [1][2][3]
  • Ocho atrás: the figure-eight traced with pivoting backward steps [1][2][3]

What we don't know yet

  • The origin of the ocho could not be verified, so it is left out.
  • No dated history: the dossier gives no year or period for when the figure emerged or became common.
  • No source on the leader's role, the technique of the pivot, or the embrace used for the figure.
  • No source on related figures, variations beyond the forward and backward forms, or regional or stylistic differences.
  • No source on specific dancers, teachers or orchestras associated with the figure.
  • No source excerpts are available, so citation quotes are empty.

References

How Tangopedia works

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