First lift

Lifts in Argentine tango is usually associated with show/stage tango. It is a more advanced step that is not generally taught because in milongas it would be rude to execute such actions especially when the floor is packed.

Yesterday, I experienced my first ever lift — a sentada — in tango. Well, I believe in my whole dancing experience really. Except perhaps the ballet when I was a child. Anyhow, it wasn’t part of the lesson. It happened during the practice sessions with this bloke who is obviously good and wanting to try out these fancy moves. Sentada, by the way, means ‘sat’ in Spanish. This moves is where the follower “creates the illusion of sitting in or actually mounts the man’s (or leader’s) leg.” (Source: A Guide to Tango Terminology)

At first it was shock because I didn’t know it was coming but also I didn’t know how it is led therefore I wouldn’t know what to do. However, not knowing meant I just had to follow his lead completely and let my body follow to where he leads it. This is the secret of tango, complete trust to the lead, all we followers need is to do it (whatever it is) gracefully. Although I admit, at times, I don’t — both trusting and graceful. Naturally after experiencing it, I now want more. But I know very well that I am not in that level. Yet. Perhaps next year.

For non tango folks, here is a video clip of Sabrina and Ruben Veliz, who are well known Argentine tango dancers, to give you an idea of what I’m talking about here. Around 2:01, they do a sentada.