Big Blog #2: Last Blog- Argentina Tango

For the last blog of the semester I chose to do the Tango of Argentina. When I was reading through the options in the introduction to this blog the tango caught my attention first. I swore I knew how to do the tango when I was younger so that made my choice very simple. So let's tango our way into the history of Argentina!

The tango is one of the most famous and influential pieces across the globe. Hints why so many people think they know how to do the tango… especially younger me. The streets of Buenos Aires is the where the tango originated from in the 18th century. The roots of the dance can be found in African candombe, Cuban habanera, waltzes, and polkas. It has been accounted for that the tango was brought to Argentina by African slaves. The dance was popular amongst former slaves and the working lower class. The tango was known as “music of immigrants.” Argentina had a “Footloose” moment during their political struggles with prohibition and dictatorships. The tango was forced underground for awhile because it was seen as illegal, but later made a return in the 1980’s. After a quick little shutdown the tango came back in full force. The tango has evolved overtime, but the dance itself is very complex because it involves a variety of styles. In Argentina the tango is meant to match the speed and emotion of the music. Here is a quick break down of the Tango of Argentina:

-Danced by two people *que the saying “it takes two to tango”*

-The spacing between the two dancers can vary from open to closed

- Closed=Very little space between the dancers and touching chest to chest 

-Open=The leader and follower dance at arms length 

-The follower changes their weight from foot to foot never putting on all their weight on both at the same time 

-The leader steps outside the followers legs as they alternate feet

The tango is mostly an improvised dance with not a lot of structure, but there are steps that form the style of the Argentina tango:

-Embrace

-Walk

-Cross

-Figure eight 

-Cuts 

-Breaks 

-Half moon 

-Rotation 

You think you can successfully tango now? Here is a video of what it looks like all put together…

Here’s a playlist of music that is popular to tango to just incase you were impelled to start tangoing after learning the basic steps:

-“El Choclo (Kiss of Fire)” by Juan D’Arienzo

-“Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)” by GoTan Project

-“Pa' Bailar (Siempre Quiero Mas)” by Bajofondo, featuring Julieta Venegas

-“Tropilla de la Zurda” by Carlos Libedinsky

-“Gipsy Tango” by Earth-Wheel-Sky-Band

-“La Cumparsita” by Julio Iglesias

The heart of the tango is found in Argentina, but it expanded big time in 1910 to Paris and New York. After it was brought to these big cities the tango expanded across all of Europe and North America. The tango began to change into a ballroom type of dance that was associated with the higher class making it what it is today. 

Name origin:

The name Tango means “touch” but the tango dance name origins aren’t exact. Tango started being used for naming dance and musical gatherings of slaves in a region, and the tango being derived from working class makes sense where the name comes from. 

Famous dancers:

El Cachafaz was one of the first tango dancers, and is considered very good at what he does. He lived in Buenos Aires and danced the tango all over the world. Casimiro Ain, also known as El Vasco was a notable tango dancer. He performed for Pope Benedict XV, but when he returned home to Buenos Aires he became a hermit. Carlos Gardel was know as “The King of Tango” and is probably the most famous dancer of the tango. Gardel basically brought the tango to the world, but unfortunately he died he in plane crash on his way back home to Buenos Aires. There are many places in the world where tango dance competitions take place. The most well known competition is "The Dancing World Championship and Festival” it is the best tango event worldwide. It takes place in Buenos Aires the birthplace of the tango. 

Tango fashion:

I love all things clothes, so that’s why I picked to talk about the fashion piece of the tango. Personally, when I think about what the dancers wear the first thing that comes to mind is the girls and their bright fancy dresses. Clothing is a big part of the tango to fit the dance and to represent culture of where it came from. Despite the the dance being originally from the unprivileged in the working class the tango made its way to Argentinas upper class. This movement caused tango fashion to emerge. Tango dresses started being made in 1913, and they were light, colorful, and featured loose transparent bodice and skirt that was shortened to the mid-calf. The tango fashion trend was attacked because many people did not approve of the extravagant clothing. Tango fashion emerged during the time period where woman wore restrictive clothing, so the movement fueled negative voices of society. Mens fashion for the tango was quite different they manly wear an elegant shirt and pants combination. Silk shirts were popular for men, but other materials were also common. Mens attire also can include 

suspenders, vest, and hats. 

Overall, as you can tell the Tango of Argentina is very complex. Originating in the working class making its way up to the upper class, and evolving along the way. It even had to take halt during its “Footloose era” but it still made a comeback. The dance, the music, the history, and the fashion all make the tango what it has been and what it still is today. Next time you hear somebody say “lets tango” or “it takes two to tango” refer back to my blog it might teach you a thing or two. 

Works cited:

DanceUS_org. (n.d.). Argentine tango history, styles, dancers & competitions. DanceUs.org. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://www.danceus.org/argentine-tango/argentine-tango-history-styles-dancers-competitions/

Elite Dance Studio. (2019, October 18). The history of the Argentine Tango: Elite Dance Studio: Edmonton. Elite Dance Studio. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from

Tango dresses - what clothing to wear to dance tango? Tango Dresses - Guide to Tango Clothing and Fashion. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2022, from http://www.dancefacts.net/tango/tango-dresses/