About Tango
Contrary to the popular western cultural image of Argentine tango as an
intense and fiery engagement between a man and woman (including the red
rose between the teeth!) the reality is that Argentine tango is quite an
accessible and easy dance to learn. Tango evolved to become a popular
Buenos Aires street dance - a simple way for normal people to express
themselves and have fun socially.
Tango Styles
There are actually distinct types of tango that are danced around the
world today. These styles are a legacy of a dance whose origins go back
to the turn of the previous century. There is a style to suit the level,
character and ambition of anyone.
See the links page for performances that show-case
some of the various styles.
Traditional/Salon/Milonguero
Because Argentine tango has been danced for over a hundred years,
mostly socially, it has evolved with different styles, reflecting
the time and the people involved. Hence you will read, hear and see
tango by many guises: salon, milonguero, estilo, nuevo, traditional,
etc. They are all tango and they are all danced socially. Salon
refers to social dancing in a hall (or ballroom, which in Spanish is
'salon'). It is the communication between the couple, that for many,
makes this the most fascinating of dances. There is an emphasis on
close connection with the partner, musicality and interpretation.
Couples must move around the outside edge of the dance floor in a
counter clockwise direction, observing respect for each couples
dance space. The style of dancing will reflect that of the music:
traditional, electro, vals; however the dancing must fit into the
general framework that is salon if one wishes to travel safely.
Photo by Bazzmann
Milonga
Milonga, as a type of music, pre-dated tango and was a sung poem, where
the lyrics were more important than the music. Milonga music had a simple
melody and a fixed rhythmic pattern but has evolved to have more complex melodies.
The fixed rhythmic pattern is the distinguishing feature of milonga music. In
order to express the music, which is fast, fun and quirky, the dance consists
of walks and turns with many steps being short and quick with the couple
maintaining a close embrace.
Note Don't be confused as milonga
has a double meaning: it can also mean the place where one dances
tango, or a tango event. Dancers are referred to as milongueros.
Photo by Peter Forret
Vals
Tango vals (waltz) has the same rhythmic pattern as the Viennese waltz
only faster. Because it is so fast, instead of dancing on every beat,
one normally steps on the first of the 3 beats which makes for a slower
and more relaxed dance but with a consistent flow and momentum. Turns in
clockwise and counter clockwise directions are typical as well as
variations within the rhythmic pattern.
Nuevo
Literally meaning 'new tango' the nuevo style refers to the
relatively recent evolution of the traditional styles that
incorporates principles behind movement theory and modern dance.
Nuevo emerged through a rediscovery of tango by some of its
most respected teachers and dancers as part of an effort to
keep the dance alive for future generations. Nuevo exhibits
movements that reflect contemporary partnered dance with beautiful
long body lines, elongated and sumptuous movements and smooth
transitions. Movements are an exciting, and sometimes challenging,
play with body weight and momentum. Photo by
Zabara Alexander