Mordida

In Argentine Tango, the Mordida—Spanish for 'bite'—is a characteristic figure in which one partner’s foot is placed between the two feet of the other dancer, effectively creating a 'sandwich' ^[1][3][5]. While the leader typically initiates this movement on the follower, the roles can be reversed during specific sequences such as the Parada, allowing the follower to execute the Mordida on the leader ^[1]. This figure is widely recognized by its alternative names, including 'sandwich' and 'sanguchito' ^[2][4][6]. The Mordida serves as a versatile structural element, often integrated into more complex movements like the Volcada, Colgada, Parada, and Barrida ^[1]. It is frequently employed as a setup or indicator for subsequent steps, such as the Pasada, where one dancer passes over the partner's extended foot ^[2][4]. Although considered a basic step taught early in many curricula, instructors caution against its misuse as a static stopping point, which can diminish its expressive potential and visual refinement ^[1][6].