The Devil Cloaked as an Angel: All You Need To Know About the Gancho in Argentine Tango
Argentine tango is a dance that exudes passion, connection, and intricate footwork.
Within this captivating dance style, various steps and movements add depth and complexity to the dance.
One such move is the gancho, a figure that looks so good you’ll want to do it all the time, and yet it requires a lot of skill to execute it with ease.
It’s elegant yet daring. Learning it will challenge you and add a spark to your tango at the same time.
Argentine Tango Steps To Learn
Originating in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina, tango emerged as a social dance reflecting the city’s cultural melting pot. It influenced European, African, and indigenous music and dance styles.
Initially, tango was considered scandalous and confined to society’s outskirts. However, it gradually gained popularity and made its way to Paris in the early 20th century.
Tango underwent various transformations and adaptations in Argentina and abroad, eventually evolving into the passionate and sophisticated dance we know today.
Argentine tango is rich in steps and movements that allow dancers to express themselves on the dance floor. In our article “10 TANGO STEPS YOU MUST KNOW TO SPEAK TANGO,” we explored a few of these figures:
Ocho
The ocho is a figure-eight movement that can be performed in the front or back.
It involves pivoting and changing directions smoothly and elegantly, allowing for graceful and intricate footwork.
Giro and Molinete
The giro and molinete are rotational movements in tango.
The giro involves the leader guiding the follower in a circular path, while the molinete combines forward and backward ochos to create a dynamic spinning effect.
Parada and Pasada
The parada is a stop or pause in the dance, where the leader momentarily halts the follower’s movement. The pasada, on the other hand, involves the leader stepping over or past the follower’s leg while maintaining a continuous flow.
Boleo
The boleo is a dynamic movement where the follower’s leg swings out in a circular or whipping motion.
It adds a touch of excitement and flair to the dance.
Calesita
The calesita, or “merry-go-round,” is a rotational movement where the leader creates a circular motion while holding the follower off-center.
It requires trust and balance between the dancers.
These steps and many others provide a solid foundation for dancers to explore the world of Argentine tango. Depending on the dancer, each can either be doable or extremely difficult. With practice and patience, even the most complicated steps can be mastered! And then comes the gancho…
What Is a Gancho?
The word “gancho” means “hook” in Spanish.
So, in tango,
the gancho is an intricate movement of a leg hook that can be executed by either the leader or the follower.
The Argentine Tango Lab defined the term in “TANGO TERMINOLOGY” as follows:
“Hook: Occurs when a dancer hooks a leg sharply around and in contact with their partner’s leg by flexing the knee and releasing. May be performed to the inside or outside of either leg and by either partner.”
It creates a visually striking and dramatic effect, mostly done by the follower with her partner’s lead.
It’s Not Gaucho!
Let’s clear up a common misconception.
The term “gancho” in tango has no connection to the word “gaucho,” which refers to the South American cowboy.
As defined by TRAVELSAVERS in “Ganchos & Gauchos…The Lifeblood of Buenos Ayres”:
“There at La Tarde Polo Club ranch, we meet the “gauchos,” Argentina’s cowboys.
These wanderers of the “pampas” (the plain)were generally nomadic through the centuries. They lived off the land and often tended cattle. Like the North American cowboys, gauchos are reputed to be strong, honest, silent types. There is, perhaps, more of an air of melancholy about the classic gaucho than the classic cowboy. Also like the cowboy, the gauchos were and still are proud and great horseriders. Furthermore, the gaucho plays an important symbolic role in the nationalist feelings of Argentina.”
While the gancho may possess a certain wildness and rebellious spirit, it’s not directly derived from the gaucho culture.
It’s Also Not Engancho!
Another misconception is the confusion between “gancho” and “engancho.” Our article “GANCHOS & ENGANCHOS” defined engancho as a wrap.
“In a wrap the leg of – usually – follower softly wraps around the leg of the leader. The most obvious wraps are executed from back ocho / low boleo sensation. Then we proceed into more wrapping/unwrapping possibilities.”
The two may be related, but they are distinct and separate concepts. In the article “Tango Notes: Gancho Family,” the latter falls under the former’s umbrella.
Executing the Gancho
You may think a “hook” is very straightforward. It is, but there’s more to it than that! Christopher O’Shea, in “The Ghost Guide to Social Tango 2nd Edition: Ganchos,” said:
“Ganchos are basically evil…
Leaders struggle with leading ganchos as beginners and newish intermediates. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t, but with no apparent rhyme of reason.”
So, how do you really execute the gancho? Tango instructors Diego Blanco and Ana Padron in “How to Do the Hook aka the Gancho in the Argentine Tango” demonstrated how the gancho resembles a bolero.
The follower will take it from a rock step or a stop, brush the floor from the hips, and try to kick her behind.
From a back ocho, the leader must over-rotate the back ocho and lead the follower closer to him. He must place his foot around her foot, and then she can execute the gancho. The follower will feel like the lead is a back step, but because his leg is in the way, that will push her to lift her leg in the air.
Watching the basics of ganchos can make the figure seem doable. It is doable, but it requires practice and patience.
What makes it difficult is that the follower is not dancing by herself. She must cooperate with her partner to make it work. The leader has to learn how much pressure to apply, and the follower has to feel the pressure and adjust accordingly. As said by Christopher O’Shea:
“What this means as a leader is you need to be very aware of when it’s likely for the follower to auto-gancho you, so you can get into a safe position. Otherwise, you can get kicked quite painfully.
Women, please don’t do ganchos that aren’t led.”
Most Popular Combinations with Gancho
The gancho can be incorporated into various combinations and sequences in Argentine tango, adding excitement and flair to the dance. Let’s explore a few popular combinations that involve the gancho:
From Back Ocho
One popular combination involves leading the follower into a back ocho, followed by a gancho. The leader guides the follower into the gancho position as they complete the ocho, creating a seamless and captivating movement.
From Front Ocho
Another common combination starts with a front ocho, followed by a gancho. The leader leads the follower into the gancho position while transitioning from the front ocho, resulting in a visually stunning and dynamic movement
These combinations serve as starting points for dancers to explore the possibilities and creativity that the gancho offers.
Common Mistakes When Doing the Gancho
Like any complex movement in dance, the gancho comes with its fair share of potential pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when executing the gancho:
Lack of communication
Clear communication between the leader and the follower is crucial for a successful gancho. Failing to provide a clear lead or respond to the lead can result in a failed gancho or an awkward and uncomfortable movement.
Forceful execution
The gancho should be executed with finesse and control rather than brute force. Applying excessive pressure or yanking the partner’s leg can lead to discomfort or even injury.
Poor leg placement
The position and alignment of the legs play a significant role in the gancho’s success. Failing to position the leg correctly or misjudging the placement can result in a weak or failed gancho.
Lack of balance and stability
Both the leader and the follower should maintain balance and stability throughout the gancho. Losing balance or collapsing during the movement can disrupt the flow of the dance and compromise safety.
Gancho Tips for Leaders
Leaders play a crucial role in executing a successful gancho. Here are some tips to help leaders enhance their gancho technique:
Get the Follower Close and Aligned Correctly
To set up a gancho effectively, the leader should ensure that the follower is in close proximity and properly aligned. This allows for smoother execution and reduces the risk of discomfort or strain.
Make Room for the Follower’s Leg
Leaders should be mindful of creating enough space for the follower’s leg to comfortably hook around their own leg. Providing sufficient clearance prevents unnecessary collisions and enables a secure gancho.
Make Substantial Adjustments to the Embrace
Leaders should make subtle but substantial adjustments to the embrace to accommodate the gancho. This ensures the follower has the necessary support and stability during the movement.
Gancho Advice for Followers
Followers also have an important role in executing the gancho gracefully and confidently. Here are some tips for followers:
It’s From the Hip, Not the Knee
When performing a gancho, followers should initiate the movement from the hip rather than relying solely on the knee. This allows for a smoother and more controlled gancho, reducing the strain on the knee joint.
Don’t Lean Back
Followers should avoid leaning back excessively during a gancho. Maintaining an upright posture and engaging the core muscles ensures balance and stability throughout the movement.
Have an Alternative
Followers should be prepared with alternative steps or movements if a gancho is not feasible or the leader doesn’t provide a clear lead. Having options allows for seamless transitions and keeps the dance flowing.
Should You Learn the Gancho?
Some tango dancers love the gancho, while others call it evil or the devil. Some take the time to understand why the dance step is the way it is, while others avoid learning it altogether after many failed attempts. So, what should you do?
We describe the gancho as the devil cloaked as an angel because it looks beautiful and simple. Yet, it takes a lot of practice, patience, and diligence to master.
Christopher O’Shea even added:
“At this stage leaders just accept they don’t have the hang of them yet. After all, they are intermediate moves. Time passes and the leader learns an “advanced” move, probably a volcada. This is where the confusion sets in. Soon they find themselves being able to do the advanced move reasonably well, but not the intermediate gancho?!”
The gancho can be like a puzzle that you just can’t seem to figure out. But regardless of what every Argentine tango dancer thinks, nothing can take away the joy and beauty of a well-executed gancho. The step is a part of tango’s culture and history and will continue to be!
Argentine tango teachers encourage students to learn the gancho, but, like with other figures, move on if it’s not working.
Ultimately, the gancho is always worth learning, but it’s up to you if you want it to be a part of how you enjoy your tango journey. The gancho, with its captivating leg hooks and dramatic flair, adds a touch of intensity and excitement to Argentine tango. While it may be seen as the devil cloaked as an angel, the gancho truly embodies the dance’s essence—passion, connection, and expression.
As dancers, we embrace the challenges and explore the depths of our creativity, dancing fearlessly with our demons.
Gancho Says, “Dance With Your Demons!”
Understanding the gancho, mastering it, and executing it with precision and finesse allows dancers to express themselves fully on the dance floor. By avoiding common mistakes and following the tips provided, leaders and followers can embrace the gancho’s allure and create mesmerizing moments of connection and intensity.
Step onto the dance floor, let the music guide you, and allow the gancho to unleash your inner fire and grace.
Let the devil cloaked as an angel inspire you to explore the world of the gancho and unlock the magic of Argentine tango!