Argentine Tango has been popularized on stage and screen as a dance of passion through it’s dramatic portrayal. Even the most advanced dancers will be beckoned by the challenge of this dance. You will discover why the Argentinians think of it as more than just a dance, but a way of life.

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 teh 1880, 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 accordian like instrument, and became poular across Europe. With the popularity in Europe, the Argentinian upper-class decided to incorporate it into their circles. In 1926 Hollywood capitalized on the popularity of the Tango and used it the movie “The Four Horseman of teh Apocoplypse” 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.