How to Do an Ocho in Tango

The name for the tango step "ocho" comes from the early days of tango; when women danced this step, they would trace figure eights into the dirt floor they danced on. Today, the ocho is one of the woman's main tango dance steps. It may be lead both pivoted and unpivoted.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Do a Pivoted Back Ocho

1. Stay relaxed and receptive to the leader, just as you always do in tango. The more relaxed you are, the better you can read the lead for an ocho.

2. Move your shoulders and chest to stay in front of the leader as he leads you into a pivot.

3. Allow your hips to move naturally, following your shoulders. In most pivots, your hips move if you allow them to, but sometimes you might need to add a small amount of muscle power. Pivot your hips fully rather than consciously stopping them.

4. Take a back step that mirrors the amount of energy the leader gives you for the step. Step straight behind, first reaching with your foot and then transferring weight.

5. Bring your feet through the gather position, but don't stop there unless you're led to do so. If another ocho is led, begin the pivot as you move through this position.

6. Listen for the lead for another ocho as you are stepping, and be ready to pivot and step again. Ochos are usually led in sets of at least two, unless the leader is using the ocho as an entrance to other dance steps or figures.

7. Maintain your balance and axis throughout the ocho. It takes practice to develop this kind of balance, and your tango partner can supply some balance as you're learning.

Do a Pivoted Front Ocho

8. Apply the basics from the pivoted back ocho. The front ocho is exactly the same except it uses forward steps rather than back steps.
   
   

9. Understand that a front ocho is often led from the cross, but it may also be led from other tango dance steps. If you're always ready to pivot, you won't miss the lead.

10. Move your shoulders and chest to stay in front of the leader, just as in the pivoted back ocho.

11. Extend your foot forward and then transfer weight to it. Listen to the tango leader to determine how long your step must be.

12. Bring your feet through the gather position, paying attention to the lead for a potential pivot into another ocho.

Do an Ocho Without a Pivot

13. Realize that if you are dancing tango in close embrace, your leader may not lead a pivoted ocho. Follow your partner's lead rather than assuming that each ocho should be pivoted.

14. Maintain your regular tango walk when you're led to do an ocho with no pivot. An ocho depends upon good walking technique because it's really just another way of walking.

15. Keep the embrace constant as you follow the lead for an ocho with no pivot. When the leader doesn't lead a pivot, there's no reason to open the embrace. A constant embrace also makes the ocho more natural and comfortable.

16. Place your feet where the leader directs them, even if it feels strange. In an ocho with no pivot, your feet don't step straight back. Instead, they create a small loop to the side before landing. If you're on a dirt floor, your feet trace figure eights into the ground during an ocho with no pivot.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on your flexibility, a forward ocho may move with the line of dance and cause the leader to step forwards.
• Attempting to pivot on an ocho when there is no lead for a pivot usually breaks the connection with your dance partner.