A brief history of Tango - Part 1 of 4 - Latin Dance Community

Summary

The origins of Tango are shrouded in mystery, with its birth in the poor neighborhoods of Buenos Aires during the mid-19th century. A fusion of European music styles, it evolved from the Andalusian dance, Tango Andaluz, but with distinct characteristics. The early music was instrumental, with the Bandoneon as its signature instrument. Tango gained popularity in low-class venues, and composers like Angel Villoldo and Carlos Gardel, known for 'El Choclo' and 'Mi Noche Triste,' played pivotal roles in its global spread, with Gardel's tragic death in 1935 marking a significant moment in Tango's history.

Takeaways

• 💃 Tango is not just beautiful and sensual but also cool, even though it's over 100 years old.
• ❓ The origins and early history of Tango are unclear, with few reliable sources and many contradictions.
• 📍 Tango originated in poor neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the mid-19th century.
• 🎶 The early Tango dance was influenced by European immigrant music styles.
• 💃 Before Argentine Tango, there was 'Tango andaluz' or 'Gypsy Tango,' a dance from Andalusia, Spain, but they are distinct in music and dance.
• 📜 There is no concrete evidence linking the name 'Tango' to the Spanish term for dance parties involving gypsies or slaves.
• 🎻 The first Tango songs were instrumental, with bandoneón (a small wind instrument) becoming a signature sound.
• 🏙️ By the end of the 19th century, Tango was well-established but mainly confined to low-class nightclubs and bordellos.
• 🎵 One of the first famous Tango composers was Ángel Villoldo, who wrote 'El Choclo' in 1903.
• 🎤 Carlos Gardel, born in France but raised in Buenos Aires, became an international Tango superstar and helped popularize the genre worldwide.

Q & A

What is the significance of Tango dancing?

Tango dancing is significant for its beauty, sensuality, and sexiness. It is also considered cool despite its origins over 100 years ago.

What is the origin of Tango?

The exact origins of Tango are unclear due to a lack of documentation. However, it is generally agreed that it started in the poor neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the mid-19th century.

What was the first Tango music like?

The first Tango music was a mix of other music styles brought by European immigrants. It did not have lyrics initially, and the main instruments were posos, guitars, bass, and violins.

What is the Bandoneon and its role in Tango music?

The Bandoneon is a small wind instrument that resembles an accordion. It became the signature instrument of Tango music and is essential to its sound.

Who was one of the first renowned Tango composers?

Anel Bol was one of the first renowned Tango composers, known for writing the song 'El choclo' or 'The Corn Cob' around 1903.

How did Tango gain popularity in the early 20th century?

Tango gained popularity as musicians started recording songs with lyrics that spoke about love, heartbreak, and time lost. The dance also began to be featured in more venues beyond low-class nightclubs and bordellos.

Who is Carlos Gardel and what is his contribution to Tango?

Carlos Gardel was a young, good-looking Tango singer who mesmerized audiences with his voice and charisma. He became an international superstar, touring extensively and appearing in films. His contribution to Tango was significant as his songs helped spread the genre worldwide.

What happened to Carlos Gardel?

Carlos Gardel died at the peak of his career on June 24, 1935, in a plane crash in Medellín, Colombia.

What is the relationship between Tango and Tango andalo?

Tango andalo, also known as Tango hitano or Gypsy Tango, is a dance from the Andalusia region in Spain related to Spanish flamenco. It is suggested that Argentine Tango may have borrowed its name from Tango andalo, but the music and dance of each are very different, and there is no concrete evidence to prove this connection.

What does the term 'Tango' mean and where does it originate from?

According to some researchers, 'Tango' means 'dance party' and was a term used by Spanish people to describe a loud gathering of gypsies or slaves where there was partying and dancing involved.