Mysterious Origins

The exact origins of Argentine tango are unknown, however the young city of Buenos Aires in the mid to late 1800s was a melting pot of European and African cultures. The Europeans brought their partner dances and the Africans brought their rhythm. The word 'tango' may be African in origin or it may derive from the Latin verb 'tanguere' (to touch). Nobody knows for sure.

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 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.

Performance

Tango for the stage is a different affair: choreography, acting and story telling. Performance tango is probably the most well known form of the dance and for many the most exciting to watch. Television shows such as 'So You Think You Can Dance' and 'Dancing with the Stars' have popularised the performance aspect. Designed to entertain an audience (unlike salon, which is a private, impromptu dance between two people) a choreographed and well executed performance takes the dance beyond conventional tango with amazing speed, versatility, showmanship and passion. Photo by Cecilia Heinen

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