Cadencia and the Flow of Tango

When we dance tango, our bodies naturally oscillate as we shift our weight from one leg to the other. This oscillation can be intensified by accelerating the body’s movement, creating a pulsating rhythm reminiscent of surging waves. Each surge propels the body into a swing, alternating directions as we change weight between legs. This technique, known as cadencia, feels like riding a swing, producing a pleasant rocking sensation—for both partners, but especially for the woman, nestled in the man's arms and being gently swayed.

The man swings the woman from one side of his body to the other. Following each swing, she swivels her hips and pivots her lower body, allowing him to reverse the direction of the swing (see Dissociation and Gear Effect). In fact, this is how an ocho is danced. When teaching the ocho, instructors often emphasize dissociation—hip rotation—but many overlook the importance of cadencia—the body’s swing. Yet, when these two elements are combined, they not only enhance the elegance of the movement but also create a rhythmic, swaying sensation that makes the dance much more enjoyable.

Executing cadencia requires both space and momentum; without them, the body cannot swing freely. This is why experienced dancers prefer to dance in the flow. When the floor is filled with seasoned dancers, you can observe a smooth, counterclockwise flow of movement, like waves surging forward in sync with the rhythm of the music. The pace of this flow is typically brisk. However, when the floor is crowded with novices, the flow slows significantly. At times it even becomes like a pool of stagnant water.

Beginners, often unaware of this flow, may remain in place practicing steps without considering the dancers behind them who are waiting to move forward. On an empty floor, this may not be a problem, but in a crowded room, it disrupts the natural traffic of the dance. Mark Word refers to such dancers as "rocks in the stream." You drive to work in the morning and suddenly there is a slow-moving car in your way, that is the same kind of feeling. Dancers on a crowded floor must avoid becoming these "rocks in the stream." This doesn't mean you can never slow down or pause—experienced dancers do so frequently—but they time their pauses to the music or to moments when there is enough space to accommodate a stop. If dancers behind you are approaching, you must keep moving to prevent a traffic jam. This is part of the código, the unwritten code that all tango dancers are expected to respect.