VOLCADA VERSUS COLGADA - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

When encountering the term axis, one would likely associate it with the rotation of planets or variables in mathematics. In studying tango, however, one would be surprised to know that axis is a recurring term, with the concept playing a significant role in both balance and movement.

Exploring Tango defines it as “an imaginary line that goes from the top of your head, down through the center of your body, to a point between your feet.”

In our Fundamentals course, we initially explain that in starting position in Tango, the individual/personal axis is double offset. Adjusting the body position slightly forward by shifting the weight towards the ball of the foot moves the line of axis slightly forward. Now we can imagine it in front of our body - touching the forehead, chest and passing through space in between the balls of the feet. Then - shifting the weight towards one side of the body to differentiate between standing and free leg.

Illustration by Tina Rosados for our still-in-writing book about Tango Fundamentals. Interested? - Reserve your copy here.

One might better understand what an axis is when viewed from a standing and lying position: in a standing position, the body has a vertical axis; when the body is lying down, it has a horizontal axis.

But why is this concept so important in understanding the rudiments of Argentine tango?

While tango itself is a dance that encourages improvisation, its spontaneity does not mean that physics, motion, and balance ought to be disregarded.

In fact, there is a lot of science to the execution of tango’s movements, techniques, and figures, even though seasoned tangueros and tangueras may make movements appear more fluid and natural rather than something that requires a technical understanding of how the body works.

Hernan and Anita - VOLCADAS - online course on-demand.

When one has a complete grasp of how one’s axis works, one can achieve not only balance and fluidity in movement but also comfort when dancing with one’s partner.

Without awareness of one’s axis, one is bound to compromise and end up contorting into impossible positions, which may lead to a less-than-favorable dance experience, not to mention accidents on the dance floor.

Alongside the matter of the axis springs two substantial elements that depend on how the axis, whether individual or shared, can be maneuvered in relation to the weight and movement of both partners: the volcada and the colgada.

Volcada vs. Colgada

Definitions vary depending on the source, but perhaps the simplest explanation of volcada and colgada comes from Tango Forge: “In volcada, the partners lean on one another. In colgada, the partners hang on one another.” - Just remember, this is a mental shortcut. Both elements are using principles of leverage. So don’t just throw yourself on your partner imitating a potato bag. S/he might not be ready.

By popular belief, the volcada is tipping over or “capsizing” of the follower, wherein the leader proposes the tilt or lean in their direction, causing a free leg drop or “spill” once the follower falls off their axis and is caught by the leader. The colgada, on the other hand, is a spinning move that brings both dancers to pivot away from their axes, counterbalancing each other’s weight until the leader leads out with a back step.

Hernan and Anita - COLGADAS - online course on-demand.

The way we see it - volcada or colgada are not any specific figures, but rather the new interpretation of the common axis. In the case of Colgada - hanging off of it, and in the case of Volcada - leaning toward it.

While these off-axis positions are beautiful to execute and can add a measure of excitement to one’s tango experience, an understanding of the techniques employed is crucial to prevent catastrophes on the dance floor, as well as potential injuries.

Like many moves in Argentine tango, both the leader and follower must be equally aware of not only timing but also which body parts should be utilized for leverage, where weight must be transferred and when, and whether both are at the correct angle to perform the move.

Hardly a step for neophytes, the colgada and volcada requires, more than anything, a very strong connection between partners as these steps are a new way to interpret their shared or common axis, as opposed to being typically mistaken for simply specific figures of tango.

Volcada for Leaders and Followers

Often confused with the apilado, a common lapse among partners when executing the volcada, is having tense muscles. A post from Tango Mentor attributes this to how students are often taught both the apilado and the volcada: “The problem with the students was that they learned the volcadas as a step, an exception — they did not [learn] a stable position. When you do apilado, you must get yourself in a comfortable position.” When you do volcada, it is usually you for few steps. do it and you continue dancing using your upriaght axis.

More than just having good footwork, the back and spine are also vital in the success of a volcada, though it should be noted that over-reliance on one’s muscles may negatively affect balance, control, and the shared axis within which both leader and follower must operate.

A post from Very Tango Store explains: “The volcada requires that the lead takes the follower off her axis by the creation of a formation called the Carpa (tent), and whilst the volcada is executed, he supports the follower's weight. The follower needs to keep her spine extended, with the free leg kept loose so that as the lead pivots, his energy is reflected into the follower's leg. The follower's free foot is used to draw a shape on the floor as the lead rotates around her (she is kept in the centre), and the sketching of this shape should arise directly by the action and movements of the lead.”

Simply put, a volcada is a consequence, a result of cooperation and connection. The leader proposes the move and supports the follower, while the follower receives the leader’s energy and allows their axis to be maneuvered without being completely off-axis themselves.

Hernan and Anita - COLGADAS - online course on-demand.

I heard a very interesting comment from Chicho who pointed that colgada ends with ‘a’ which indicates it’s feminine. It’s colgad-a not colgad-o. It’s a female being hanged using man’s body as a leverage. Not the other way round. The discussion went female-male, not strictly leader-follower.

Elizabeth Wartluft Tango provides helpful tips for leaders and followers performing the volcada, a summary of which is outlined below:

Leader Techniques

• Remain on-axis as much as possible. Balance and control are paramount as a leader.
• Make the follower’s support leg/foot the anchor around which all other movements should happen.
• To create the tipping motion, the leader must move away from the follower once the latter is lifted. Take relatively small steps with one’s entire axis, such as directly moving away with the solar plexus.
• Depending on the step of the volcada, the leader should catch the pendulum swing of the follower’s leg, whether this will be swinging around and towards them, or dropping directly towards them. The leader should draw a shape that concludes with the follower’s free foot passing the supporting foot.
• Wait to step until the follower’s feet are anchored.
• Leaders can let the follower feel protected and supported by waiting for them.

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Follower Techniques

• Keep the spine energized and stretched. Don’t sag.
• Followers should try to be even longer and more elastic when the leader tips them forward. Doing so will let the follower’s “free” leg have space to slide on the floor naturally.
• Volcadas are determined by the step that precedes them, thus followers should focus on their support leg and body instead of guessing where they should put their free foot. The leader should be able to take care of that.
• Returning on-axis may take a step or two and is not necessarily done immediately once the leader places the follower’s foot and releases the lift on their body. What’s important for the follower to do is to stay in contact with the leader.
• Maintaining one’s axis even while off-axis makes the volcada easier for the leader. With the correct technique, the follower’s size or weight will not matter as much during execution.

Colgada for Leaders and Followers

Learn to Dance Tango describes the colgada as “one of the hardest of the very basic advanced tango steps” — and for good reason.

What makes the colgada work actually seems like a paradox in terms of the technique that must be applied: both the leader and follower must lean away from leveraging each other weight.

This, of course, has a lot to do with the timing and directions. The leader must propose the of-axis position and then leverage it and contra balance with his own body weight. Go in the same direction - we both fall. Go too soon in opposite direction - and no of-axis will happen.

Hernan demonstrating principles of volcada equilibrium. VOLCADAS - online course on-demand.

This technique is perhaps best illustrated by the motion of sitting on a chair, wherein both leader and follower must bend their knees instead of throwing their shoulders back when leaning away from each other. A video from Anna Padron and Diego Blanco explains the proper posture when executing this move: “It's the same concept as keeping your spine straight from the base of your spine to the crown of your head, and you're just going to pretend like you're going to sit on a chair, keeping your back straight. Since our heads weigh too much, that'll send us off.”

Aside from the knees and spine, the hips, feet, and embrace also play significant roles in keeping one’s balance while being off-axis as weight is, ideally, evenly distributed among these parts or generally the entire body.

However,  as much as technique is important, another factor that is just as important is how trust must be developed between both partners, which is especially crucial for followers. As Elizabeth Wartluft points out “Following a colgada can be a scary experience: the leader asks you to trust them, and there is nothing behind you to hold you up if the move does not work, except your own behind. I find that leaders scoff at this being scary, but are very nervous about being LED in colgadas. Trust has to be built for two people to do colgadas well.”

Trust, coupled with an understanding of posture, balance, and axes — along with dedicated practice — will eventually lead to well-executed colgadas that can be comfortable and enjoyable for both leader and follower.

Hernan and Anita - VOLCADAS - online course on-demand.

A Balancing Act

Having knowledge of the volcada or colgada will help one understand and appreciate either concept as both operate around the same principles.

As with most steps in Argentine tango, being aware of the proper techniques needed to execute the volcada or colgada are important, but so is having a strong connection with one’s partner.

Because these steps are more suited to intermediate or advanced dancers, one must first establish a firm foundation in the understanding and practice of Argentine tango before attempting to perform the volcada and colgada.