Tango Its Not Just A Dance - History Documentary

Summary

Tango, a passionate dance, music, and cultural expression, originated in the impoverished neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina around 1900. Born from the diverse influences of European and South American immigrants, Tango quickly evolved, gaining global popularity by 1913, especially in Paris. Over the decades, Tango faced ups and downs, from political suppression in Argentina to cultural revival in the 1940s and a modern resurgence in the 1980s. It is characterized by its improvised movements, intimate embrace, and the iconic bandoneón. Today, Tango remains a sensual art form, blending tradition with innovation, and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tango originated in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Argentina, around the year 1900, influenced by European and South American immigrants who brought their native music and dances.
• 😀 The word 'Tango' initially referred to the variety of music and dance styles in Buenos Aires, with 'El Choclo' (1905) being one of the first iconic tango songs.
• 😀 Tango's early social context involved poor male immigrants in Argentina, many of whom resorted to brothels where women could select dance partners based on skill, leading to the development of the dance.
• 😀 By 1910, Tango became an international sensation, gaining popularity in Paris among the upper class and Hollywood, with figures like Rudolph Valentino boosting its glamour.
• 😀 Despite being suppressed in Argentina during the 1930s due to political changes, Tango saw a revival in the 1940s, coinciding with the rise of Juan and Eva Perón and their political influence.
• 😀 Tango underwent multiple revivals, including a significant surge in the 1980s with the global success of the show 'Tango Argentino,' and another peak in the 1990s.
• 😀 Tango music is characterized by the use of the bandoneón, a complex concertina-like instrument that became symbolic of the genre. The music also evolved from rigid rhythm to more harmonic and melodic expressions.
• 😀 Argentine tango is a deeply expressive dance that emphasizes connection, with dancers interpreting the emotions and rhythm of the music, often maintaining close body contact, especially in the chest-to-chest embrace.
• 😀 Tango has a rich set of stylistic elements such as walking (caminar), crosses (cruce), turns (giros), leg hooks (ganchos), and more, which contribute to its improvisational nature.
• 😀 Social customs in tango include the 'cabeceo,' a non-verbal invitation to dance, and the tradition of dancing the entire set of songs (Tanda) with a partner, followed by a non-tango piece (Cortina) as a signal that the dance set is over.

Q & A

Where did Tango originate and what cultural influences contributed to its creation?

Tango originated in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Argentina, around the turn of the 20th century. It was influenced by the music and dance traditions of European and South American immigrants who brought their native cultures to the region. The combination of these various traditions, especially the rhythms and styles of European and African immigrants, led to the birth of Tango.

What is the significance of 'El Choclo' in the history of Tango?

'El Choclo,' written by Ángel Villoldo in 1905, is one of the earliest Tango compositions and is widely recognized as a quintessential Tango tune. It played a significant role in defining the sound of Tango music and is often associated with the early development of the genre.

How did the social conditions in Buenos Aires influence the development of Tango?

Buenos Aires was a poor city with many single male immigrants who had few resources. The scarcity of women in the city led Tango to become associated with brothels, where women chose partners based on their dancing skills. Tango became a way for men to prove their masculinity and skill in a desperate social environment.

How did Tango spread to Europe and gain international popularity?

By 1910, Tango made its way to Paris, where it was embraced by the upper classes as a fashionable and risqué dance. The French fascination with Tango led to its global popularity. By 1913, it had become an international sensation, and Hollywood further popularized it, with figures like Rudolph Valentino bringing the dance into mainstream culture.

What was the 'Golden Age of Tango,' and what role did it play in Argentine culture?

The 'Golden Age of Tango' refers to the 1940s when Tango reached its peak both in terms of popularity and cultural significance. During this period, Tango became a fundamental expression of Argentine national identity, supported by political figures like Juan and Eva Perón. The music evolved, and the dance gained widespread acclaim.

Why did Tango experience a decline after the 1950s?

After the 1950s, Tango's popularity waned due to the rise of new music genres such as American Swing and Rock and Roll. This decline was compounded by political events in Argentina, including a military coup that suppressed Tango for a decade, reducing its mainstream presence.

What is the concept of 'Tango Nuevo,' and how did it impact the dance?

'Tango Nuevo' refers to the contemporary evolution of Tango that began in the 1990s. Young dancers started experimenting with alternative music styles, integrating Tango steps with jazz, electronic, and other modern influences. This new approach revitalized Tango, attracting a younger generation and expanding its global appeal.

What is the importance of the Bandoneón in Tango music?

The Bandoneón is a key instrument in Tango music, known for its distinct sound that adds emotional depth to the genre. It is a type of concertina, originally developed in Germany for churches, and its complex button layout and sound variations make it central to the Tango's unique musical character.

How does Argentine Tango differ from ballroom Tango in terms of dance style?

Argentine Tango is characterized by its close embrace, with partners often maintaining chest-to-chest contact. Unlike ballroom Tango, which typically involves a more open and structured posture, Argentine Tango is largely improvised, with dancers using a variety of elements like walking, cross steps, and leg hooks. The style is more fluid, with a greater emphasis on emotional connection and musical interpretation.

What are some key cultural practices and superstitions associated with Tango?

Tango has developed several cultural practices and superstitions over the years. One example is the *cabeceo*, a non-verbal invitation where a man raises his eyebrow to ask a woman to dance. Another superstition is that dancers avoid performing to the song 'Adios Muchachos,' believed to be the last song sung by Carlos Gardel before his death. Additionally, Tango music is played in Tandas (sets of 3-4 songs), with a brief *Cortina* signaling the end of a Tanda.