Contra Body Movement in Dance

I didn't pay enough attention to contra body movement, or CBM, until I saw the following video. Although this video is about ballroom dancing, I believe tango dancers will also benefit from it.

CBM is an essential concept in dance that refers to the action of turning one side of the body toward the opposite moving leg. For example, when the right leg moves forward, the left side of the body turns slightly toward it, and vice versa. This natural, counterbalancing action is not unique to dance - it is present in many everyday activities. When walking or running, for example, the slight rotation of the torso toward the forward-moving leg helps maintain stability and propels the body forward efficiently. Similarly, swimmers use CBM to create streamlined motion through the water, while cyclists rely on it to maintain equilibrium and power. These everyday examples demonstrate how CBM is deeply ingrained in human movement.

In the world of partner dance, where the bodies of the dancers are in constant motion, CBM plays a critical role in creating a harmonious connection between partners. The synchronization of movements depends largely on whether their CBMs align consistently. When both partners maintain perfectly matched CBM, their movements become balanced, coherent, and beautiful.

Harmony in dance relies heavily on the woman’s suppleness and responsiveness. Tension, especially in the woman’s body, disrupts this harmony. Tension is the killer of harmony. It acts as a barrier, halting energy rather than generating it. In contrast, movement is what truly creates energy. A woman’s softness and flexibility enable her to respond effortlessly to her partner’s lead, maintaining a natural flow. The secret to preserving harmony is not resistance but “going with the flow.” A supple, flexible body - particularly in the arms and shoulders - allows the woman to follow her partner’s lead gracefully and adapt to his movements without resistance. This adaptability plays a pivotal role in maintaining harmony in dance.

Women must find the balance between technical precision and responsiveness to their partner. Correct movements are not just about meeting technical standards; they are about creating a seamless and harmonious partnership. The art of CBM is a vital skill that enables dancers to move as one. By mastering CBM and embracing suppleness, dancers can perform more harmoniously, complementing each other to create a visually captivating dance.