Tango – noun
1. a ballroom dance of Latin-American origin, danced by couples, and having many varied steps, figures, and poses.
2. music for this dance.
This is probably the simplest definition of tango you’re going to get. It’s also the blandest.
If I were to try and define tango, I would say: emotional, poetic, disciplined, physical, unpredictable, addictive, passionate, authentic, spiritual…. and I could go on and on. Tango isn’t definable by a few words, which is why it has such a huge and varied following – it’s got something to attract everyone.
Connecting with the dance
To really connect with the dance, it’s a good idea to know a little about tango history. This explains a lot of why it is danced the way is. It is of course continually evolving, with new styles of tango developing to suit every taste.
In order to really understand what is is that you’re supposed to do with your body, it helps to be familiar with the dance terminology. It might sound like a different language. That’s probably because it is. Spanish to be exact.
Discovering the mysterious world of tango music and its milongas
Aside from what we know and what we don’t know to be accurate, one thing is certain, more than a dance, or a music, tango is a way of life for certain people. The milongas are at the heart of the Argentine tango experience and they will open your eyes to a fascinating world with a complex but fascinating code. Check our Lost Chronicles if you want to learn more about the milonga etiquette. The milongas in Buenos Aires are the crème de la crème for many reasons, one being their authenticity and another, their richness of culture. Tango enthusiasts make regular trips to Buenos Aires to satisfy their tango addiction but you might fancy staying a little closer to home. If so, check out the London milonga scene.
