Ballroom Dancing - The Tango



Staccato steps, and sharp head turns set the Tango apart from the Fox Trot and the Waltz. This dance is extremely sensual and provocative. In general the hold used by the dancers keeps the couple much closer together than in other dances.

At one time it was said that the Tango was a dance performed between a prostitute and her pimp in the brothels outside Buenos Aires Argentina. Another explanation for the stance and movements of the dance is that the Argentinean cowboys (Gauchos) would show up at night clubs without the benefit of a shower so when a lady agreed to a dance she would dance in the crook of his right arm keeping her head back. The knees bent stance of the dance was basically the way the Gauchos naturally walked as a result of wearing chaps that get soaked from the sweat of their horses then harden as they dry.
The Milonga is the forerunner of the Tango. It also used the same sharp head and shoulder moves and the characteristic sudden stops of the Tango. The Milonga, early in the 20th century was entertainment meant for the high society of Brazil and it was during that time that the name was changed to the Tango
There is the American Ballroom Tango, the International Ballroom Tango and the Argentinean Tango. Unlike the American and International style of Tango the Argentinean Tango is danced in a close embrace utilizing intricate footwork and leg movements. Because the Argentinean Tango doesn't require a great deal of movement it is well suited for nightclubs and other places with small dance floors. Unlike the Waltz, the sway and the rise and fall motions are to be avoided at all costs. The desired movements are very sharp and well defined.

The music for this ballroom dance is usually provided by an orchestra that has a piano, guitar, violin, flute and a bandoneon (an offshoot of a koncertina, which looks a little like a small accordion). The bandoneon is essential to Tango music.

The Tango has always been a very popular dance with Hollywood moviemakers. For example Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Tia Carrere danced a sexy, sultry Tango in True Lies , while Al Pacino showed Gabrielle Anwar the secrets of the Tango in Scent of a Woman and in a much earlier movie Rudolph Valentino Tangoed in The four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

What the judges will be looking for are lots of clipped movements, sharp head turns and stops, staccato actions, knees slightly bent at all times. They also expect the dancers to project the great emotion the dance needs to convey.

Although the Tango's moves are staccato you don't want your dance to look mechanical, but rather give the impression of feline grace. The woman should project a haughty attitude while at the same time seeming to meld into the man's body. Your Tango should be firm and convincing, with catlike flexibility, the moves crisp with clear switches to complete stillness.


by Anders Eriksson / Datorsam.com, Make Money with Adsense

Comments

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

Ballroom Dancing - Slow Fox Trot
Get In Shape With Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom Dance Competitions
Ballroom Dancing And Television
Ballroom Dancing - Ballrooms
Modern Ballroom Dancing - Standard Waltz
Ballroom Dancing - The Paso Doble
Ballroom Dancing - Judging Criteria
Ballroom Dancing And The Movies
Ballroom Dancing - The Viennese Waltz And The Quick Step
Types Of Ballroom Dancing
History Of Ballroom Dance
History Of Ballroom Dancing
United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association, Inc.
Choosing A Ballroom Dance For Your Wedding
Dresses For Ballroom Dancing
Media Coverage Of Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom Dancing - The Jive
Ballroom Dancing - The Handicapped And The Disabled
Ballroom Dancing - The Tango
Where To Learn Ballroom Dancing
Music For Ballroom Dancing
Ballroom Dancing - Dancers, & Judges
Ballroom Dancing - The Rumba






My Articles


History Of Ballroom Dancing Until recently, most people haven't thought much of..


Ballroom Dancing - Judging Criteria Ballroom dancing is judged on more than a dozen different points. Some..


History Of Ballroom Dance Ballroom dancing conjures up images of beautiful women in..


Ballroom Dancing - Slow Fox Trot There are several different theories on the origin of this ballroom..



Related Videos:

Related News:

 
Britain doesn't dance to the elitists' tune - Times Online

    

Times Online

Britain doesn't dance to the elitists' tune
Times Online, UK - 6 hours ago
The rest appear to believe they are engaged in some Reithian mission to bring ballroom dancing to the world. They are not. This is Big Brother for people ...
John Sergeant has earned his stripes Telegraph.co.uk
Interview: Sergeant was anti-hero Channel 4 News
Journo John Sergeant quits 'Strictly Come Dancing' The Associated Press
Times Online - Times Online
all 1,335 news articles



Children and Teens - Washington Post

    

Children and Teens
Washington Post, United States - 19 hours ago
BALLROOM DANCING -- 8-11:15 pm Saturday. A one-hour introductory rumba and fox trot lesson, followed by general ballroom dancing to a deejay. ...
Montgomery Community Events Nov. 20-27 Washington Post
all 2 news articles