Tango

The passionate and exotic Tango is quite interesting in both its history and styling. Mention of its name evokes visions of passion, drama, staccato movement and quick changes of direction.

Centuries ago, African slaves were transported to Cuba. They moved to the rhythmic drumbeats of a dance they brought with them, called the Tangano.

In the late 19th Century, Cubans were also dancing, but to their own syncopated rhythms of the Habanera. Eventually, these movements blended and this Afro-Cuban combination made its way to Buenos Aires to mingle with the Milonga, originally an ancient Spanish song form adapted into an Argentinean folk dance. Buenos Aires became a melting pot for a variety of music, rhythms and cultures.


Years later, the Argentinean plainsmen, the Gauchos, danced a modified version of the Milonga in the steamy brothels of Buenos Aires. It was there were many lonely immigrants found themselves looking for companionship and entertainment.

Sexual movements between prostitutes and their customers were common on the dance floor while the familiar sound of the bandoneon, a German instrument similar to the accordion, could be heard playing in the background.

Around 1912, a slightly improved version of the Tango made its way to Paris where it was transformed into a more polite form of dance. Vernon and Irene Castle, famous ballroom dancers, helped to elevate its popularity and acceptance into ballrooms. Tango Teas became the craze in London and Paris. The Tango was reintroduced to Argentina where it was met with open arms by the upper class and it eventually made its way to the U.S. around 1914. During the 1920's, Valentino added a provocative style that has become well known to this day. And, as the dance developed further, its interesting, asymmetrical and sophisticated figures, added a flare of suavity that caught the attention of the dance conscious public


The Tango experienced a brief lapse in popularity during the 50's an 60's, but has stormed back in an amazing way thanks in part to the success of Broadway productions and big screen movies. Tango clubs and organizations continue to grow all over the world and the music is now universal, with several types and styles: the authentic Argentine style, the social (American) style and the competitive International style.

The Tango music is written in 4/4 time and should be played at a tempo at 29-32 measures per minute.

The social American rhythm often used: S,S,Q,Q,S

The Tango is a progressive dance characterized by staccato movement and quick changes of direction. The body maintains a slight, but constant, feel of "contra body movement", or C.B.M. The hold is more compact, than in Waltz and Foxtrot, and there is no Rise and Fall.