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There are people who you could bet your granny on that they dance tango, like they were bred for it, and then those who will come as a big surprise. This is the great thing about tango: you meet so many different personalities. For this reason, it is difficult to define what tango is, but being brave and all, we’ll give it a go, starting with the dance styles that are more mainstream and a little different from traditional Argentine tango salón.

 

Tango on the screens (small and large)

You’re probably aware of a few tango scenes from mainstream movies: True Lies, Scent of a Woman or Take the Lead (ring any bells? Nope? No bells? Don’t fret, the links below are here to refresh you memory).

True Lies: a bit over the top? But then again, would you expect Terminator to dance tango?

Scent of a woman: not strictly tango but a moving performance by Al Pacino

A sexy performance by Banderas in Take the lead



 

Tango on stage

A bit less mainstream, youtube and the hyperwebnet is filled with great examples of what is called ‘stage tango’. You probably will have seen a little of this in movies or music videos. It pretty much does what it says on the tin. It’s danced by professional dancers on stage to an audience and it is not for the faint hearted. ‘Stage tango’ is a gravity defying, risqué, exhibitionist kind of tango. Do not try this at home, unless of course you’re a natural gymnast.

2008 stage tango champions

2009 stage tango champions



 

Argentine tango salón

The main difference between the different types of tango lies in whether the dance is choreographed or improvised. Screen and stage tango is choreographed – there is no leading and no following – and is meant to be viewed by an audience. On the other side, the ‘original’ tango salon from Buenos Aires is improvised and is danced in a social setting – parties called ‘milongas’.

For Argentines, tango is a way of life. It is an expression of their culture and it represents their heritage. By keeping tango alive, Argentine people are paying homage to their ancestors, as well as enjoying themselves in the process. Tango is a monument, the symbol of a nation’s creativity, expressivity, individuality and identity. It also is a source of deep pride and who can blame them – what a great thing to be known for.

This is a video taken in a popular tango party of Buenos Aires, Porteño y Bailarin. People invite one another for several songs and couples all share the same dancefloor. All dancing is improvised to the music.



 

Τhe Tango Community

The people who are around you can shape your experience. When you go to a milonga you get to socialize with people who share the same passion as you, and make friendships for life. In fact, it’s quite common for social tango dancers to travel around the world to participate together in different tango festivals, marathons, and workshops.

When arriving in a new city, many tango dancers immediately try to connect with the local community in order to find a place to dance, a partner for a workshop, or a teacher for a private class. In effect Tango is about connecting with another person and yourself. If you are looking for a new passion and an activity that will bring you close to people who just like you love to dance, socialize, and express, there are tens of thousands of tango friends waiting to meet you and dance with you. Take the step. A simple way to connect with nearby tango dancers is through Facebook, Whatsapp groups, or through apps such as the Tango Partner app.

What is tango to us

And to us, Tango is poetic, disciplined, addictive, unpredictable, passionate, authentic… Forget about the stereotype that pretends that men lead and women follow. Tango is a two-way dialogue. It is about a physical, emotional and spiritual encounter between two people who can communicate wholly without words. Read more about what is Tango to us.