18. Promenade Pivot
Fact Sheet
| Official Name: | Promenade Pivot |
| Dance / Level: | Full Bronze American Style Tango |
| Aliases: | Pivot from Promenade Position, Promenade Turn, Natural Promenade Turn |
Suggested
Prerequisites: | None |
The Promenade Pivot is not actually a pivot taken in promenade position as the name might seem to imply, but a figure that begins and ends in promenade, where the man closes to lady in order to dance a pivot, before opening back up to promenade again. It is a popular figure among both social and competitive dancers, but it requires considerable attention to the technique in order to execute comfortably.
The figure is danced to the Tango basic rhythm SSQQS, and begins in promenade position with the first "slow" walk being taken as per most bronze promenade figures. On the second "slow" count the man turns to his right, closing up to the lady to back the line of dance. They then dance a pivot/pivoting action over the "quick-quick" counts. The type of step taken on last "slow" count depends on the ending.
In the bronze level, there are three possible endings to the pivots:
- The basic ending returns to promenade position, with man and lady pointing the free foot to the side on the last "slow" count. This can be followed by any promenade figure.
- The promenade ending is siilar to the Foxtrot version, where the man and lady step out to the side in promenade position on the last "slow" count. This can be followed by any promenade figure beginning with the second step, such as 2-5 Promenade Left Swivel, 2-5 Promenade Right Turn, or 2-4 Closed or Open Promenade. The Promenade Pivot can also be repeated, starting with step 2.
- The overturned ending is kept in closed position, with man turning slightly farther around the lady on the second "quick" to remain in closed position. On the last "slow" count, the man then steps side & slightly back, lady diagonally forward, with man backing and lady facing diagonal center. This can be followed by any figure beginning with the man stepping back on his right foot in closed position, such as a Closed Finish, Open Finish, Reverse Pivot or Cross-Body Lead.
18c. Overturned Ending
After step 4, man can remain in closed position and continue to pivot around the lady, to step side & slightly back on his LF, lady stepping diagonally forward RF (slow). Follow with any reverse turn ending, such as a Closed or Open Finish, Gancho, or Reverse Pivot (QQS).
