The first association that comes to mind at the mention of tango is Argentina. This is absolutely logical, because it was there that a passionate pair dance was born.

Tango appeared in the late 19th century in Buenos Aires. During the Great Depression, the dance of passion became an opportunity for the people to escape from problems and recharge with positive emotions.

Today, lovers of choreography share tango in Uruguayan, ballroom, American, Finnish and other types. The Argentinean remains the most common and authentic, because it is as consistent with the style that appeared in the 80s of the century before last.

Interesting fact: Initially, tango was exclusively a male dance. However, the active movements of artists could not leave women indifferent. The girls joined the men, making tango a double dance.

History of Argentine Tango

The dance of passion is based on a vivid mixture of ethnic African motifs, ritual movements of Indians and Spanish flamenco. Representatives of different nations brought national features to the tango, creating a new distinctive style. Classical ball motifs were added to tango much later, when the dance migrated to Europe and conquered Paris.

Swiftly covering the continent, tango began to dictate its own fashion rules. Shops filled with special costumes for dance, loose dresses, tuxedos and accessories. Secular parties have acquired the format of themed tango evenings.

Interesting fact: in Russia tango was not immediately appreciated. At the beginning of the 20th century, passionate dance was banned at the legislative level. Not only performance was condemned, but also the mention of Argentine tango.

The mystery of the name

Legends around the name of the dance go from the time of its appearance to this day. There are many theories about how the word tango was formed. Here are the most interesting of them:

• Latin verb "tanges" meaning "to touch", "to approach";
• the derivative of the word "tambo", which was called a closed territory, often inhabited by slaves;
• African “tangala” and “tangadungulu”, designating various types of walking and dancing step;
• a derivative on behalf of Shango - the god of thunder and lightning, symbolizing masculine beauty and strength.

According to one of the popular versions, the dance took its name from the ancient dialects of African tribes. The word "tango" meant a set of movements to the sounds of a drum and melodies of the countries of Europe, America and Africa.

Bright representatives of the genre

The most significant figure in the history of the Argentinean tango is considered Carlos Gardel. The singer, composer and dancer achieved world fame thanks to his vocal abilities.

By the age of 30, Gardel was an international star, toured Europe, starred and recorded in Italy, France and Spain. The artist took part in more than 20 films and released two dozen tango hits.

Gardel's life was interrupted in 1933 as a result of a plane crash. More than 80 years have passed since the dancer’s death, but the Latin saying “Creole thrush sings better every day” is still used among Latin Americans.

Interesting fact: Carlos Gardel’s birthday, December 11th, marks International Tango Day.

It is noteworthy that far from the homeland of tango, other artists gained great fame. In Latvia, Oscar Stroka was called the king of the genre, in Europe - Astor Piazzolla.

Argentine Tango Today

Today, tango is part of the program of international choreographic competitions and festivals. The dance of emigrants went beyond the streets and acquired varieties: Finnish, ballroom and Argentinean tango.

The Finnish version is characterized by wide dynamic movements, wave-like movements of the chest and spectacular hangs of the dancer over the partner. Ballroom tango is more restrained in emotions - it is intended to show a refined technique and impeccable movement of bodies.

The most active and emotional remains Argentine, or Uruguayan tango. The dance of love includes elements of improvisation, plexus and rotation of the legs, smooth body movements. The main feature of the dance is its fullness of feelings. That is how tango appeared in Argentina a hundred years ago.