LivingInPatagonia.com

Tango in Argentina in 2010

Written by Shanie

Aaaah Tango. The dance that oozes sexuality, makes even a wallflower want to move, and the only melodic art that allows the lady to kick her six inch stiletto near the baby makers of her male partner. It is a sensual expression that began in the 19th century, yet is found today in dance halls throughout the world. With the ebb and flow of time the dance has evolved; molding and flowing into new forms of expression for the 21st Century.

Developed in the sultry city of Buenos Aires, Tango originated from African dance styles and melting pot ideals. It is considered by the Porteños, the Buenos Aires locals, to be the “music of the immigrants”; a robust art form born from and for the poor. But it isn’t just that anymore. The music and dance has taken on a life of its own. The traditional has splintered off into two different offspring; Tango Nuevo or new Tango and Neo Tango, literally meaning the most recent Tango.

Tango Nuevo, also referred to as Electro Tango or Tango Fusion, is a dance that came to be in 2001 but still embodies the loin stirring sensuality of its forefathers. The dancers, melting into one person, cling, twirl and stare longingly into each other’s eyes. Although the attire remains the same; fishnet stockings, short skirts and revealing tops for the women, handsome suits for the men. The difference is in the music. The entangled melodies and complex rhythms of traditional tango are interlaced with samples, beats and sounds of the electronic age, plus Jazz and Classical music elements can also be heard. The DJ scene has been an important component in the Tango Nuevo revolution.

Songs by such artists as Grace Kelly and Sarah Vaughans have been interlaced with the normal Tango grooves, creating music for diverse activities, not just the dance floor.

The old school dancers feel that Tango Nuevo is a deviation from the true style and tradition of contemporary Tango. Yet, many feel that it is a breath of fresh air to the century old music style. As the new style becomes more mainstream the sound is flowing in the direction of being the common Tango groove of the future.

Another modern manifestation of traditional Tango is Neo Tango. Known as the black sheep of the Tango family, it is danced to pop, new age or eastern sounds as well as Salsa and Swing. The dancers wear baggy pants resembling the break dancer look of the 80’s. The common sensual dance moves are absent as well. The dance incorporates shorter steps, broken embraces and twirls without touching or only touching with one hand. It often looks as if the dancers are martial art fighters with kicks, waving movements of bodies and hops. The most conventional tango move, the close embrace, is absent all together. Neo Tango originated from the Tango Nuevo movement but is not considered to be an authentic form of tango. The Neo Tango dancer is often not versed in the Argentine version of the Tango and chooses to remain monogamous to this new form of dance. Although somewhat similar to the Brazilian/African dance Capoeira, it does not have any actual bodily contact, head butts or competitive nature.

The three varying types of Tango are important pieces in music culture. Whether enjoying the traditional style or the more contemporary forms of the dance, it is always a joy to watch Tango art in action and with such diversity in the songs the varying musical ears will be happy too!