History Of Tango Dance

Tango is an amazing dance style that evolved in the 18^th century and has undergone a number of modifications and changes ever since. This form of musical genre is mainly associated with countries like Argentina (Buenos Aires) and Montevideo (Uruguay), but some patterns and associated forms can also be seen in certain other parts of the world. Originally, this form of dance style was known as tango criollo or simply tangos. But today, there are innumerous variations of this dance style, ranging from Argentine Tango to Ballroom Tango, Vintage Tango and Finnish Tango.

 

In the year 2009, UNESCO declared Tango as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, bringing together people of different mindset and different cultures. This unique musical genre mainly includes dance, poetry, music and singing. These elements blend together beautifully to create a symbolic universe, with its origins based in Buenos Aires and Montevideo. In fact, it is said that the dance ‘embodies and encourages diversity and cultural dialogue. Let us explore its history in detail.

 

When we talk about the origin of such an amazing dance form as Tango, it becomes difficult to concise it in a few words. This dance form has a very intriguing and complex history, as it has undergone variations and changes at different levels, emerging into one of the world’s greatest musical genres today. But, this success was not without any effort. The dance genre had to face years of neglect by historians and academics and had to struggle for its individuality and respect. The very origin of this unique dance form can be traced back to the mid-1930s, which was the Golden Age immediately after the 1^st World War .

 

Tango originated in the lower class districts of Buenos Aires, from the fusion of many musical forms from Europe. Originally, it did not gain much popularity and was just one among the many dances. Later on, through theatrical performances and street shows, it gained recognition and identification and spread from the suburbs to the working class slums, consisting mainly of European immigrants. Gradually, with orchestral performances and stage shows in the early part of the 20^th century, the Tango craze swept over different countries and became a rage all over Paris, London and Berlin. By the end of the year 1913, the craze took over the United States and Finland as well.

 

A slight variation in Tango was seen in 1911 in US, when a 2/4 or 4/4 rhythm like the one-step emerged. However, it was only in 1914 that a more authentic tango style developed, such as Albert Newman’s ‘Minuet’ Tango. The decline of Tango began in Argentina, after the overthrow of the Hipólito Yrigoyen government in 1930. However, under Juan Perón government, it once again become very popular and a matter of national pride. In 1950, once again the ‘Dark Ages’ of Tango began, with the popularity of other music genres, like ‘Rock and Roll’ and even due to economic depressions and banning of public gatherings by military dictatorships.

 

The fabulous Tango renaissance in 1983 once again popularized the dance form all over the world. This was mainly after the opening of the show ‘Tango Argentino’, produced by Claudio Segovia & Hector Orezzoli, in Paris. The show made tango popular the world over and everywhere, people could be seen taking tango lessons. In 1990, "Tango X 2" Company was foamed, by dancers Miguel Angel Zotto and Milena Plebs. This resulted in the generation of a great current of young people, who showed an unusual inclination for the dance form. Soon, a new tango style was to be seen, based on the traditional tango of the milongas, which was placed as central element, after a bit of renewal. Today, tango danced is learnt and practiced all over the world.