History of the American Tango

By Esther Frances


Sophisticated and dramatic, occasionally laced with a bit of humor, the American Tango is a more elegant, less passionate version of Tango that originated in Argentina. Sophisticated in nature, partners generally maintain an upright position and a respectable distance while dancing in a formal style. Your grandmother is far less likely to be shocked by anything in the American Tango when you dance at the family wedding.

The metered, punctuated rhythm that underscores the music is still all Argentine, but in many ways, the American Tango is a dance of contrast. Passion is expressed with minimal touching - or none at all - as partners separate and perform individually or in unison. Latin sensuality combines with New York sophistication. Steps are more formal and formulaic in the American version, yet allow for a wide variety of expression. The Tango speaks of unbridled love, yet often also represents the war between the sexes in a stylish duel between the male and female partners. They are attracted to each other, separate, and reunite throughout the dance, just as in real life.

The Argentine Tango was born over 100 years ago as a cosmopolitan form of self expression and freedom, with a definite passion for life. Argentina was home to many European immigrants, so the dance was influenced by many cultures. Some say the American Tango was a product of Hollywood as a dance of love, but had to be toned down for the prudish public at the time. In truth, the Argentine Tango was considered too racy by many in Argentina and the dance was condemned by many authorities. Warnings abounded that it would lead to such evils as debauchery and arthritis. Even so, the dance became a European craze in the 1900's, and star of the silver screen Rudolph Valentino solidified his "Latin Lover" status by making the more reserved version of the Tango a hit in America in 1921. Apparently, there was just something about a woman dancing with a rose in her teeth that really appealed to the Times Square crowd. Be sure to snip off the thorns first. Ouch!

Influenced by ballroom dances such a the Waltz, the American Tango is an elegant dance composed of a formal position, staccato movements, and witty head snaps that are totally foreign to Argentine Tango. Leg locks are very brief, if even used. While the Latin version focuses on passion, the American Tango focuses on fun with the risk of offending anyone.

There are many places where you can still learn the Tango today, even in Times Square, New York. Considered one of the easier dances to learn, you can be dancing the night away with only a few practiced moves. Of course, there are many moves available and the more you learn, the more impressive you will be. There are leg sweeps, dips, turns and head snaps aplenty. While the two partners work together, they also often separate and perform their own freestyle. All in all, the focus is on having fun, and if you learn to Tango, you will!




About the Author:



Comments (0)

Posting Komentar