Tangotation alphabet

Tangotation is a way to write down tango steps with an alphabet. This is the signification of each character.

Letters A-Z

Char	Description
A	Adorno: start of embellishment/adorno description, written with brackets like a(...)
B	Backward : put foot backward
C	Close : put feet together again, one next to the other ('rest' position)
D	Clockwise (from derecha - to the right): turn in same direction of clock
E	Counter-clockwise (as opposed to D): turn in opposite direction of clock
F	Forward : put foot forward
G	Gancho: flip lower leg around/between leg of partner. see gancho
H
I
J
K
L	Left foot
M	Man: the leader, he/she who takes the marca
N
O
P	Peso: change weight, while keeping feet in the same place - MRP = M changes weight to R foot
Q
R	Right foot
S	Side: step to the side. MLS: M steps to left with L foot
T	Touch foot of partner: typically used in mordida/sandwich
U
V
W	Woman: follower, he/she who follows the leader (M)
X	Cross before: one foot before the other (weight is on back foot)
Y	Cross after: one foot behind the other (weight is on front foot)
Z

0
1
2
3	cunita: part of cunita or rock step - used for adjusting the direction of the dance (e.g. to turn 180° in 3 steps)
4
5
6
7
8	ocho - WRF8 : W steps FWD with R in forward ocho - WRB8: backward ocho
9

'	linked to next: this movement does not take a beat, but happens as preparation for a next step (e.g. shifting weight MRP)
-	linked to previous: this movement does not take a beat, but happens as continuation of a previous step