The Basic Corte is a type of lunge, danced to the rhythm "Slow, Slow", and followed by a Tango Close ("Quick Quick Slow").
On the first "Slow" count, the man will step back with his left foot slightly turned out. His right foot should remain pointed forward, without weight. To increase the lunge shape, he can stretch the left side of his torso up and slightly away from the lady. The shape should be straightened out when he replaces weight to his right foot on the second "Slow" count.
The lady should step forward with her right foot on the first "Slow" count. To increase the lunge shape, she should keep her hips forward, stretching the right side of her torso long, head back and to the left. She may turn her head to the left, or look over her right shoulder at the man. The shape should be straightened out when she replaces weight to her left foot on the second "Slow" count.
4b. Rock to Corte
As the name implies, the Rock to Corte is a combination of a rock step (quick quick) followed by the Corte lunge (slow, slow). The resulting rhythm is 6 counts in length, and is therefore danced twice and followed by a Tango Close for a total of 16 beats.
The rock step can be danced with or without turn. If it is turned, all rotation should be completed by the end of the second step. If the man turns his body as he steps back into the lunge action, he can throw the lady completely off balance.
