The Untold History of Tango - A Fascinating Documentary

The Untold History of Tango - A Fascinating Documentary

Table of Contents

1. Origins and Development of Tango

   • The History of Tango
   • Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina

2. Early Tango and its Influence

   • European and South American Immigration
   • Angel Villaldo and "El Choclo"
   • Tango in the Brothels

3. Tango's Rise in Popularity

   • Tango in Paris
   • Tangomania and International Phenomena
   • Hollywood's Portrayal of Tango

4. Tango's Evolution and Cultural Significance

   • Tango in Argentina's Golden Age
   • Tango and Political Movements
   • Tango's Influence on Music and Dance

5. The Music of Tango

   • Classic Tango Orchestra
   • The Bandoneón: Key to the Tango Sound
   • Melodic Development of Tango

6. The Dance of Tango

   • The Embrace in Tango
   • Walking and Connections in Tango
   • Differences from Ballroom Tango

7. Elements and Codes of Argentine Tango

   • Improvisation in Tango
   • Common Elements in Tango
   • Tango Codes and Superstitions

8. Tango Fashion and Style

   • Women's Attire in Tango
   • Men's Attire in Tango
   • The Modern Resurgence of Tango

9. The Sensuality of Tango

   • The Sensual Experience of Tango
   • Tango as More Than Just a Dance

Origins and Development of Tango

The history of Tango is shrouded in legends and stories. One popular belief is that Tango originated in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is a dance, music, and poetry that emerged around 1900. The city was a melting pot of European and South American immigrants, each bringing their own music and dances. One of the earliest Tangos, "El Choclo," was written in 1905 by Angel Villaldo and is still widely recognized today. Tango was initially a form of entertainment in the brothels of Buenos Aires, where men would dance with each other to practice their skills. However, Tango soon gained popularity and moved up the social Scale, attracting the Attention of the rich and famous. By 1913, Tango became an international phenomenon, especially after its success in Paris. Tango's impact on Argentina's culture and its portrayal in films and music solidified its place in history. Despite facing periods of decline, Tango experienced a revival in the 1980s and continues to be a beloved dance today.

Early Tango and its Influence

The development of Tango can be traced back to the Fusion of different cultures brought by immigrants in Buenos Aires. European and South American immigrants introduced their native music and dances, creating a unique Blend that would become Tango. Angel Villaldo's composition, "El Choclo," is considered one of the earliest Tangos and exemplifies the fusion of different musical styles. The dance itself emerged in the brothels of Buenos Aires, where women had the power to choose their dance partners Based on their skill. Men would often practice with each other in the absence of women. However, Tango quickly spread beyond the brothels and gained popularity among the working-class population of Buenos Aires. With its sensual movements and passionate music, Tango became a form of expression for the working-class immigrants who found solace in this art form.

Tango's Rise in Popularity

Tango's popularity escalated when it made its way to Paris in the early 20th century. Society in Paris was eager for innovation, and Tango's risqué nature captivated the rich and famous. The dance became a symbol of sophistication and passion, creating what was known as the "Tangomania" in 1913. As Tango gained recognition in Paris, it also gained acceptance among the upper class in Argentina. Hollywood played a significant role in glamorizing Tango, with Rudolf Valentino becoming the most famous Tango dancer on the silver screen. Tango's infectious rhythms and captivating movements transcended borders, making it an international sensation. Tango became more than just a dance; it became a cultural phenomenon that captivated the hearts of people worldwide.

Tango's Evolution and Cultural Significance

Tango's development went HAND in hand with the political and economic conditions of Argentina. Tango music evolved from a rigidly rhythmic style to a more harmonic and melodic one. The dance itself changed too, with larger dance salons closing during poor economic times, giving way to smaller venues. Tango's popularity fluctuated over the years, initially declining in the 1930s and 1940s due to political suppression and censorship. However, Tango experienced a resurgence in the 1940s and became a fundamental expression of Argentine culture. It was during this time that Tango became championed by the political movement led by Juan and Eva Peron. Tango's significance in Argentina's history is undeniable, as it reflects the struggles, joys, and desires of its people.

The Music of Tango

The music of Tango is an integral part of the dance. A classic Tango orchestra typically consists of bandoneóns, violins, a piano, and a STRING bass. The bandoneón, a complex concertina-like instrument, is considered the key to the Tango sound. Originally developed in Germany for churches, the bandoneón has become synonymous with Tango. It poses a unique challenge to musicians as most buttons produce a different note when played by pushing or pulling, and the right and left hand keyboards are asymmetrical. Tango music has evolved from its early rhythmic style to a more melodic and harmonic one. The lyrics of Tango often tell stories of love, loss, and betrayal, capturing the passion and complexities of human emotions.

The Dance of Tango

Tango is a dance that revolves around the connection between two partners and the music. Walking is at the Core of Tango, with dancers using subtle movements and body signaling to indicate the start of each step. The embrace in Tango can vary from open to closed, with the dancers maintaining a close connection throughout the dance. Tango is often characterized by its smooth and flowing movements, with dancers keeping their feet close to the floor. Argentine Tango is traditionally danced counterclockwise around the outside of the dance floor. Unlike ballroom Tango, which emphasizes arching away from each other, Argentine Tango encourages a closer chest-to-chest embrace. The dance is deeply rooted in improvisation, with dancers expressing their emotions and interpreting the music in their own unique way.

Elements and Codes of Argentine Tango

Argentine Tango is a highly improvisational dance that incorporates various elements. Some common elements include walking, crosses, figure eights, leg hooks, turns, displacements, and breaks. Each dance is unique, with dancers connecting and responding to each other in real-time. Tango has developed a set of codes and superstitions throughout its history. One example is the "cabeceo," an eye invitation by a man to a woman to dance. It is considered proper etiquette in Buenos Aires, with the man subtly signaling his desire to dance, and the woman accepting by smiling or nodding. The choice of music is also important, as Tango is typically danced in sets called Tandas, with dancers expected to dance the entire set with the same partner. The Cortina, a short piece of non-Tango music, is played between Tandas to signal the end of a set.

Tango Fashion and Style

Fashion plays a significant role in tango, reflecting the sensuality and passion of the dance. Women in Tango often wear long skirts or dresses with slits to allow greater freedom of movement. The tops are designed to be sensual, showing cleavage and accentuating the feminine form. Accessorizing with Fabric or feather flowers in the hair or legs adds an extra touch of elegance. Tango shoes for women usually have high heels and provide ample support for the intricate footwork. Men typically wear silk shirts and straight-cut trousers, with suspenders, vests, and hats adding to the tango image. The fashion of Tango has evolved over time, reflecting changes in society and cultural norms.

The Sensuality of Tango

Tango is renowned for its sensuality, both in its movements and its music. The dance is often described as a passionate connection between two people, a duet performed with intense emotion. Tango's music and lyrics Evoke a range of emotions, from desire and longing to heartbreak and betrayal. The falling woman has become an iconic image in Tango, symbolizing the melodramatic portrayal of a fallen woman. Tango's stories often revolve around themes of love, abandonment, and revenge. It is a dance that Speaks to the universal codes of human relationships, exploring the complexities of desire and the consequences of betrayal.

The Modern Resurgence of Tango

Tango experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1980s with the stage Show "Tango Argentino," which toured the world. The show featured renowned dancers such as Juan Carlos Copes and Maria Nieves, reigniting interest in Tango on a global scale. This resurgence continued into the 1990s and beyond, with Tango finding its place in contemporary music styles and becoming known as "Tango Nuevo." The new generation of musicians and dancers has brought fresh energy and creativity to Tango, mixing traditional elements with modern influences. Tango continues to captivate audiences and inspire a new generation of artists, ensuring its place as a cherished dance form for years to come.

Tango is NOT Just a Dance

Tango goes beyond being just a dance. It is a sensual and passionate experience that transcends boundaries and connects people on a deep level. The music, the movements, and the emotions expressed in Tango Create a powerful and unforgettable experience for both the dancers and the audience. Tango allows individuals to express their desires, their joys, and their vulnerabilities through movement and music. It is a form of communication that speaks directly to the soul, conveying the complexities of human connections and emotions. Tango is not just a dance; it is an artistic expression of the human experience.