Tango: Stopping Extra Momentum

My interpretation of the step; I find that if my first step is not inline my right foot, I do as you describe. Also, on the second step; the base catches up to the upper body (outside of turn) making split weight easier obtain. It feels as if my foot rotates inside of my shoe as I take weight on the inside edge of toe on second step... I use the Heisman Agility Drill to help build the leg strength...

Whoa, it makes sense in my head but to see it written.... back to lurking.

Agree with that ... but despite their quality, they still have problems with putting the hell on the floor on that step when demomonstrating basic figures. The same with Veyrasset on his DVD ...

I think that the action can be compared with the "kiss the floor" touchdown on the inside turn of a Foxtrot Reverse Turn (the THT step). The alternative is to have a R hip rather stuck in the air.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm practicing again this afternoon, and I'll try to implement what you've suggested. Of course, as fascination points out, maybe I'm not doing what you've suggested at all. But at least trying your advice is free and I can start today, as opposed to paying and waiting a few weeks for my next standard lesson.

Well ... on salsaforum, some people posted the video of their dancing, so it was much easier to give suggestions, which were usually well accepted ...

caw, could you describe where your weight is at the third step ("&") and the sixth step ("S")? by describing - is it 100% over the heel of one foot, 100% over the ball of one foot, 100% in the middle of the foot (i.e. you can't lift either heel or toe of the foot and stay stable), split 50-50, 60-40 or something else between the balls/heels/middle of both feet? (P.S. you'll probably need to come to a complete stop at the third step to analyze/feel the weight distribution for a bit)

also, on the sixth step, which direction are your hips facing, and which direction are your shoulders facing? are they facing the same direction, or if not, how far apart?

That ended up helping a lot. I thought about being split weight, and then allowing myself to compress onto the front foot, and I was a lot more stable. I think I was ending on that front foot without absorbing my momentum there and sending it into the ground. Still doesn't feel perfect, but doable now.

Yeah, funny thing about that. I threw in a long 5 hour practice today since my partner is out of town for the next week, and I got a massive blister on the inside edge of my toe. I'd love to do this right now in my kitchen and tell you, but I have to stay off of my foot now

All I can really say is that I know I do have a lot of CBMP on that sixth step. I end facing DW, and I often feel myself fall somewhere between DW and DC.

I really appreciate all the help you guys have given me. It is feeling better, just not 100% yet. I'm totally bummed about this blister though...

Sorry about the blister! I had one more thought. If I'm picturing this correctly, you're going forward-side-cross, back-side-forward in CBMP, correct? On step 5--that side step before you step outside partner--make sure it's really a side step and that you haven't over-rotated and actually stepped forward. Your hips should be facing about to the wall. If you over-rotate there, that could cause some extra momentum that would be hard to catch.

Come to think of it, I think I am over rotating that. I'll keep that in mind. thanks

I practiced today, and wow that just fixed the problem completely. I'm sure what everyone else said played into it as well, but that made it all go away. thanks a lot for helping

Awesome! Glad I could help.