Tango: The Passionate Dance that Originated in Argentina
Tango is a passionate and elegant dance that originated in Argentina in the late 19th century. It is a dance that has captivated people around the world with its graceful movements and sensual rhythms.
History of Tango
The history of tango dates back to the late 19th century in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the time, Buenos Aires was a melting pot of cultures, with immigrants from Italy, Spain, and other European countries arriving in search of a better life. These immigrants brought with them their music and dance traditions, which soon blended with the local culture to give rise to a new form of dance: tango.
Initially, tango was considered a low-class and scandalous dance, performed in the brothels and back streets of Buenos Aires. However, as the dance gained popularity, it gradually made its way into the salons of the upper classes, where it was refined and developed into the elegant and sophisticated dance we know today.
Types of Tango
There are two main types of tango: Argentine tango and ballroom tango. Argentine tango is the original form of the dance, with its roots in the streets and brothels of Buenos Aires. It is an improvisational dance that is characterized by close embrace and fluid movements. Argentine tango is often danced to traditional tango music, which features bandoneon (an accordion-like instrument) and other instruments.
Ballroom tango, on the other hand, is a more structured and choreographed form of the dance that is typically performed in ballroom dance competitions. It is danced in a closed position and is characterized by sharp, staccato movements. Ballroom tango is often danced to modern music that has a tango rhythm.
Moves in Tango
Tango is a dance that requires a high degree of skill and coordination. Some of the basic moves in tango include the walking step, the ochos (figure-eights), and the giro (turns). These moves are often combined in creative ways to create a fluid and dynamic dance.
In addition to the basic moves, tango also includes a variety of more advanced moves, such as the boleo (a whipping motion of the leg), the sacada (a displacement of the partner's foot), and the colgada (a suspended movement where the follower is held off-balance).
Vocabulary Words Related to Tango
Here are some vocabulary words related to tango that you might find helpful:
- Embrace: the way partners hold each other while dancing tango
- Cadencia: the rhythm of the tango music
- Barrida: a sweeping motion of the foot that displaces the partner's foot
- Corte: a sudden stop in the dance, followed by a resumption of movement
- Enrosque: a twisting movement of the leg that creates a spiral effect
Conclusion
Tango is a beautiful and captivating dance that has its roots in the rich cultural history of Argentina. Whether you prefer the improvisational style of Argentine tango or the structured elegance of ballroom tango, there is no denying the passion and romance that tango evokes. So why not give tango a try and experience the magic of this dance for yourself?
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