General information about tango
American Tango and Argentine Tango are two distinct styles of Tango that have developed over time.
Tango is a dance and musical genre that originated in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is characterized by its close embrace, staccato movements, and dramatic pauses and flourishes. Tango is typically danced in a partner dance format, with a man and a woman dancing together.
Tango music is characterized by its syncopated rhythms, which are often played on the bandoneón, a type of accordion that is closely associated with tango music. Tango music has also been influenced by various other genres, such as European classical music and African rhythms.
Tango is now popular around the world and is danced in many different styles, including American Tango, Argentine Tango, and Ballroom Tango. Tango is also considered a symbol of Argentina’s cultural identity.
Explanation of the two types of tango: American and Argentine
American Tango and Argentine Tango are two distinct styles of tango that have developed over time.
American Tango, also known as “Smooth Tango,” is a ballroom dance style that emerged in the United States in the early 20th century. It is characterized by its smooth, flowing movements and a more upright posture. American Tango is typically danced to slower, more melodic music and is often seen in ballroom competitions and performances.
Argentine Tango, on the other hand, is the original and authentic form of tango that originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. It is characterized by its close embrace, staccato movements, and dramatic pauses and flourishes. Argentine Tango is typically danced to faster, more complex music and is often seen in milongas (tango dance parties) and tango shows.
In summary, American Tango is characterized by its smooth and flowing movements, while Argentine Tango is characterized by its close embrace, staccato movements, and dramatic pauses. Both styles are danced to different types of music and are often seen in different types of settings.
History of Tango
The history of Tango can be traced back to the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tango was heavily influenced by the African rhythms and dance styles brought to Argentina by enslaved people. It also drew inspiration from European music, particularly the polka and the habanera.
In the early 20th century, Tango spread from Argentina to other parts of South America and eventually to Europe and North America. It became particularly popular in Paris and London, where it was performed in theaters and cabarets. Tango’s popularity in Europe and North America led to the development of the ballroom style of Tango, which is known as American Tango.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Tango experienced a resurgence in popularity in Argentina and Uruguay, particularly in the form of the “tango cayenne” style. This style of Tango is characterized by its close embrace, quick footwork, and syncopated rhythms. It is considered to be the closest to the original form of Tango.
In recent years, Tango has seen a resurgence of popularity around the world, with Tango festivals, competitions, and Tango dance schools popping up all over the world, making it one of the most popular social dances. Tango continues to evolve and adapt to different cultures and influences, but the Argentine and American Tango styles remain the most well-known and widely practiced.
Differences between American and Argentine Tango
American Tango and Argentine Tango are two distinct styles of Tango that have developed over time. They have different characteristics and are danced to different types of music.
- Dance style: Argentine Tango is characterized by its close embrace, staccato movements, and dramatic pauses and flourishes, while American Tango is characterized by its smooth, flowing movements and a more upright posture.
- Music and rhythms: Argentine Tango is typically danced to fast-paced and complex music with syncopated rhythms, while American Tango is typically danced to slower, more melodic music.
- Steps and movements: Argentine Tango uses small, precise steps to create intricate patterns on the dance floor, while American Tango uses larger steps and tends to be more choreographed.
- Cultural influences: Argentine Tango is heavily influenced by the African rhythms and dance styles brought to Argentina by enslaved people, as well as European music, particularly the polka and the habanera. American Tango, on the other hand, is a product of its time, influenced by the ballroom dance culture in the United States.
- The improvisation factor: Argentine Tango is more improvisational, with dancers following the lead of the person in the “leader” role, while American Tango is more choreographed.
The main differences between American Tango and Argentine Tango are in their dance style, music and rhythms, steps and movements, cultural influences, and improvisation factors.
Conclusion
American Tango and Argentine Tango are two distinct styles of Tango that have developed over time. They have different characteristics and are danced to different types of music. Argentine Tango is the original and authentic form of Tango that originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is characterized by its close embrace, staccato movements, and dramatic pauses and flourishes. American Tango is a ballroom dance style that emerged in the United States in the early 20th century and is characterized by its smooth, flowing movements and a more upright posture.
Both styles of Tango have their unique characteristics and are danced to different types of music. Argentine Tango is more improvisational and focuses on close connection and intricate footwork, while American Tango is more choreographed and focuses on smooth and flowing movements.
Ultimately, the choice between American and Argentine Tango comes down to personal preference and experimentation. Both styles offer unique challenges and rewards, and dancers can learn a lot by studying and practicing both styles. It’s also worth noting that Tango continues to evolve and adapt to different cultures and influences.
