3. Progressive Link

The progressive link is one of the most characteristic steps in International Tango and just one of many ways to achieve promenade position. Although it is a very simple step, it can also be a rather difficult step to do very well. It consists of two quick steps. The first step for the man is a forward step on the left foot toward diagonal wall. The second step is side and slightly back, ending in promenade position. The lady has the natural opposite.

The emphasis of this step is the quick and sudden transition from closed position to promenade position. The transition happens between the first and the second step. As the dancers leave the first step, they must begin to rotate into promenade position and they must be in promenade position, or at least very close to it, before the second foot strikes. If the couple tries to make the transition before leaving the first step or after arriving on the second step, the dancers will end up rotating on their own axis rather than around a common axis and will be unable to achieve a strong and balance promenade position.

A note for the ladies: the foot work for the first step is ball heel. However, the heel of the right foot will only graze the floor. If one allows the body to move back too far, it will be very difficult to change the direction of movement for the second step. This will make for a very sluggish looking link. That being said, do not stop the movement backward so early that you do not get your heel down at all, or you will block the man.

A note for the gentlemen: read the note for the ladies. Make sure that you do not move your own body so far forward that you lead them to believe that your second step will be a forward step, but do not stifle your first step so much that you have trouble rotating with your partner.