Argentine tango is a passionate, improvisational social dance originating in late 19th-century Buenos Aires, characterized by a close embrace, intimate connection, and intense, “walking” movements. It focuses on improvised communication between partners, often danced in milongas, with music driven by the bandoneón. Key elements include the salida (basic exit), walking, and, for more advanced dancers, ochos (figure-eight steps).
History:
The Argentine Tango has a rich history from the lives and music of Buenos Aires. As immigrants from Europe and Africa came to Buenos Aires in the 1880’s, they began dancing in the dark lit cafes to tell the story of the male-female relationship. The dance spread to Paris, along with its music, which included an accordion like instrument, and became popular across Europe. With the popularity in Europe, the Argentinean upper-class decided to incorporate it into their circles. In 1926, Hollywood capitalized on the popularity of the Tango and used it in a movie “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” with actor Rudolph Valentino creating the craze for the dance which is still alive today.
Characteristics:
Argentine Tango is danced using an embrace. The embrace position has the dancers’ chests closer together than their hips and often has both the leader and the follower in complete contact dancing cheek to cheek. However, the embrace is not rigid, but relaxed, so that all figures can be danced comfortably. The Argentine Tango is a dance full of emotion and is often dictated by the highlights in the music.