The Argentine Tango

Dance Summary Type: Latin American Social Character: Smooth circular motion, Argentine flicks Music: Modern & New Age Tango, Alternative Instrumental (no strict timing) In Short: Argentine Tango is a dance of passion and expression, relatively easy to pick up and quickly growing in popularity
Beginner's Rating Simple: Instructional: Creative: Slow-Paced: Practical: Overall Score:
Notes on Frame Establish a close contact upper frame with a forward posture over the balls of the feet, also known as an "A-frame." Maintain points of contact for the man around the lady's back at his right palm and elbow, for the lady around the man's shoulder at her wrist and forearm and at the man's left and lady's right palm-to-palm connection. Be certain to leave room below for Argentine's characteristic footwork.
Notes on Footwork All steps should be taken on the balls of the feet in controlled contemplative steps, brushing feet together where possible before taking subsequent steps. There are very few additional rules, given the complex foot play of this dance.
Notes on Movement Traditionally this dance travels around a medium circular range but may also be walked around the whole dance floor. When traveling, keep to the outer right and move counterclockwise around the floor, being careful not to collide with other couples.

History of the Argentine Tango

The Argentine Tango has its origins from a number of varied traditional styles, ranging from Africa to Europe and finally to South America. African slaves contributed the Candombe, which later transformed into the Milonga and served as a minor stylistic predecessor for the Tango. The Tango’s primary influence came out of Havana, Cuba, in the form of Habanera, which in time fused with Milonga, beginning a lengthy evolution into what the dance has become today.

In the early 19th century, Buenos Aires became the dominant perpetuator of Argentine Tango. Developed through the depraved affairs of illegal brothels, the dance was used as a cover against police for the illicit activities transpiring between a prostitute and her “dance student,” though the shape of the dance came to mimic the true intentions of their meeting. Due to the nature of its origin and vulgar association, the dance was viewed as a dirty street dance by the city’s high society.

In time, however, the dance became somewhat romanticized as did the music which accompanied it. The dance soon came to embody a sort of passionate yet melancholic remembrance of loves lost amidst the tragedy of the human predicament. In this form, it wouldn’t take long until the dance was adopted in Europe and an attempt at formalization would be made. Still Argentine Tango in its purest form remains in the heart of Buenos Aires, from which it first arose.

Practice Points

Practice the eight count basic until it has become natural. Learn to associate each step with its step count, 1-8. Argentine Tango has a unique frame, much closer up top than most other dances. Maintain connection by slight inward lean over the balls of the feet towards one's partner, ladies pressing into the gentleman's torso and left palm. Practice collecting into each step and vary the timing between quick and slow steps for effect. Practice under and over-rotating the dance to move around the floor.

Recommendations

Argentine Tango is an excellent dance for beginners, although it rapidly grows more difficult as new patterns are added. Because it doesn't have any strict rules of timing, the Argentine allows students to focus wholeheartedly on the lead-and-follow aspects inherent to its basic patterns. And because the dance is highly improvisational, students can more easily hide their errors and sometimes even shape those "errors" into new patterns.

This dance would be well suited for any of the following occasions:

Anniversary Evenings Ballroom Dances Class Reunions Corporate Events Cruises Dance Clubs

Fitness Centers College Formals In-home Parties Marriage Programs Marriage Retreats Outdoor Dances

Regional Vacations Social Dances School Proms School Talent Shows Wedding Receptions Youth Events