Tango culture

August 17, 2021

Leader. Follower. Man. Woman. Does it matter?

By |August 17th, 2021|

The Long Read
A long long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, some people in some neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires started dancing what will eventually be known as tango. In the streets mainly, just as simple as that – trying combinations and see what was interesting.

It is not entirely clear exactly how it first developed but many agree with one fact: that there were more men than women (due to the recent immigration waves to Argentina). So, more men and less women meant that, in all likelihood, men naturally started to lead and see what would work with the ladies – but also with other men. Because a lot of them wished to train and practice before trying their latest ‘invention’ with the ladies.

It is also likely that, being a very different societal context, it might not have been kindly looked at if ladies approached men and asked them to dance. Different times and different culture.

There is also another factor – physical this time. For those who ever tried to lead in tango, have you tried to lead someone twice your weight? Or much taller? It is no secret that physiologically men are often heavier or taller than women. And in tango, it really helps that the taller / heavier person leads the way and decides on direction, speed etc.

It is of course not always the case that men are bigger – we have ever met, you will know that I’m neither big nor tall. Not short, but not tall either. Not that I mind – after a few decades, you get used to your body and go beyond what used to frustrate you as a child, thank goodness. But the fact remains – I struggle to lead a lady who without heels would be over 1.85m, and to that adding heels of 8 or 9cm… I give you a secret: above that height, if I can’t see past the right shoulder of the follower, and have to lean to the left to see where we are going, I feel like I’ve lost a little of that tango magic 😆. I do know however that tall(er) leaders will love inviting tall(er) ladies as the connection can be superb. I just humbly apologise to them if, at a Milonga, I will hesitate to invite them as height will make aligning the centre of gravity a little tricky. But I will do everything I can to make them the most welcome in my Milongas and perhaps presenting tall(er) leaders.
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January 15, 2020

23 little tango gems

By |January 15th, 2020|

Let's keep the festive atmosphere a little bit longer... Here's an easy access to the 23 little tango gems we published for our Advent Calendar. To be enjoyed before or after Christmas without any moderation...

April 8, 2019

Tango & the Rose in Mouth Stereotype (part 2/2)

By |April 8th, 2019|

A red rose between the teeth of a follower is one of the most, if not the most iconic image (and stereotypes) associated with tango. But where on Earth did it come from?... (part 2/2)

Tango & the Rose in Mouth Stereotype (part 1/2)

By |April 5th, 2019|

A red rose between the teeth of a follower is one of the most, if not the most iconic image (and stereotypes) associated with tango. But where on Earth did it come from?... (part 1/2)

February 27, 2019

Muddled about milonga?

By |February 27th, 2019|

What is Milonga?

Well, what isn’t Milonga? It actually has several meanings, all fairly closely related. Milonga is a genre of music, as well as a type of dance and a type of dance event. Have we lost you yet? I don’t blame you; let’s break it down.

A Summer night at la Parrilla, Buenos Aires

By |February 19th, 2019|

From Nathalie, Tanguito's correspondent in Buenos Aires

Flight BA0245 dropped me in Buenos Aires on January 19. Argentinians like to do things big. Big steaks. Strong Malbec. Sickeningly sweet dulce de leche (sorry amigos, we love you to bits but we think our Nutella tastes better than your dulce de leche). Melancholy tangos that grab you by the heart and won’t let you go. Sizzling hot summers.

November 28, 2017

Learn lunfardo, the slang from Buenos Aires!

By |November 28th, 2017|

Learn Buenos Aires slang (called lunfardo), used in most tango songs. Impress your partners with your command of lunfardo!

What is a cabeceo?

By |November 3rd, 2017|

The ‘cabeceo’ (a focused and precise nod used in Buenos Aires...

October 20, 2017

15 unspoken rules at a milonga (3/3)

By |October 20th, 2017|

Whether you’ve been to a Milonga before or you’re yet to experience your first one, these tips have been devised especially to fill you in on all the etiquette so that you feel more comfortable and just soak up the lovely atmosphere. Here are the final five tips.

15 unspoken rules at a milonga (2/3)

By |October 18th, 2017|

Tanguito | unspoken rules 2

Whether you’ve been to a Milonga before or you’re yet to experience your first one, these tips have been devised especially to fill you in on all the etiquette so that you feel more comfortable and just soak up the lovely atmosphere. Here are tips 10-15.

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