The tango is an expression of
the relationship
between a
man and a
woman, and
it is danced
to express
a variety
of emotions.
The movements
can be slow
and sensuous,
to emulate "lovers
in love"; or it can be more lively,
with clipped,
staccato
movements
and head
turns for
the woman
to emulate "lovers
arguing." Trademark moves in tango
include rock
turns and
foot flicks.
The progress
of the dance
is often
interrupted
for "in-place
conversations" that
involve swiveling
(ochos),
flicking
one foot
between the
partner's
legs, a leg
hook, or
a corte with
a leg crawl.
There are many varieties of tango, but the
three major styles
can be described
as:
- Argentine Tango—the
original style
of tango developed
in Argentina during
the 18th and
19th
centuries. It was
an "earthy," seductive
dance associated
with the gauchos
of the
pampas. The ladies
who danced with
these cowboys hoped
to be reimbursed
for their efforts.
While the modern-day
Argentine Tango
is still danced
in a way that emulates
flirtation and
passion, it has
been "cleaned up"
considerably from its original
form.
- International Tango—When
the tango arrived
in Paris in 1914,
it was converted
from a "Latin"
rhythm to a "Smooth"
rhythm. There it was refined considerably
to bring it into
"proper" ballrooms.
Walking steps were
introduced to allow
the dance to progress
around the floor,
and the music was
made more aggressive.
Dance movements
became sharper,
more stylized,
and snappier.
- American Tango—When
the tango travelled
from Paris to the
United States,
some of the original
"Latin" features
were reinstated.
Thus, this version
often reflects
a combination of
the original two
styles of tango
dancing.
Chris & Terri Cantrell have suggested that "The
American Tango is
like the beginning
of a love affair,
when you are both
very romantic and
on your best behavior.
The Argentine Tango
is the next stage
when you are in the
heat of passion and
all kinds of emotions
consume you. The
International Tango
is like the end of
the marriage, when
you are staying together
for the sake of the
children." (see Harold
Sears' history of
Argentine Tango and International Tango).
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