Ask your friends and colleagues what is coming to their mind when they listen to the term “tango”. I am pretty sure you will get answers like; tango is frivolous, tango is for old people or tango is boring stuff. Some even will describe it as; tango is dangerous for couples. Let’s clean up tango clichés with all prejudices and find out all facets of tango and what is actually all about.
Cliché No 1: Tango is frivolous and sexy.
Reaching back to the first tango shows on Broadway, we remember Tango as a show which reflects on the historical origin in the brothels of Buenos Aires, where Mafiosi and prostitutes used to dance together.
“Tango is a red rose in the mouth and a macho with a black hat”
This has always been a popular theme for Tango shows but is actually a relic of a forgotten time. Frivolity has nothing to do with the tango of today.
The sensual side of tango, yes , this aspect is still up to date until today. For example, in contrast to Bazilian’s Samba, which is exposing sexual attributes, Argentine Tango is definitely sensual and elegant.
The sensual tango walk.
The most important part in tango is “the walk” . Once you have adopted the elegant dynamic way of walking with long strikes, you have 50 % of the dance. Many people do not pay attention to this detail, will never achieve the real expression in their dance.
Their mind is busy with figures and choreos and they forget to develop this important element. Beautiful shoes, elegant dresses, and suits will reach to full shine with the typical attitude and correct tango walk.
No doubt the tango clichés, “frivolous” and “sexy” are outdated. Tango today is elegant and sensual.
Cliché No 2: Tango is for old people and boring.
The vintage music is melancholic and often sad. Many people have problems to enjoy this music and might feel even depressed listen to it. It is understandable that not everybody has a positive encounter with tango.
Special younger people often lack on connection with the music and think it is an old peoples kind of choice.
Sensations are felt inside the people, inside the couple.
Social tango dancers, in general, look serious while dancing. The impression of non-dancers is, that tango must be a boring thing to do. But to dancers, it is quite different. They look serious because of the concentration and strong feeling of connection to the music and the partner.
In social tango sensations and are not visible from the outside.
Tango is for any age.
You can find any kind of age in the tango community. Milongas become popular according to people’s personal choice regarding, a taste of music, style of dancing or dress code.
Tango is definitely for any age. With a wide palette of different styles and variations of venues, music etc. it offers plenty of interesting possibilities and caters to many people.
Cliché No 3: Tango is dangerous for couples.
Another tango stereotype is the rumor that couples split up over tango issues.
Regarding this topic I wish to say, that tango is only dangerous for relationships who are already crumbling. As an amplifier tango will make problems bigger and relationships can be on a higher risk.
Tango works as an amplifier.
On the other hand, it can be an intensifier for healthy relationships, or for relationships that need a little push. Dancers may find a deeper connection for each other and for themselves. This way they develop awareness and consciousness in some spiritual sense. In the end, they enjoy a much deeper connection and satisfaction.
Tango is an eye opener for difficult couple constellations and a gift for healthy relationships.
Tango is a world heritage.
Originated in the area about the Rio de la Plata in Argentina and Uruguay in the early years of the 20 century, this phenomena has spread around the world since. Constantly in its cultural tradition in Argentina, it has shaped slightly differently in other countries. Artistically it has developed many different forms and expressions in Argentina and in the world over the years.
The secret of tango which has its source in the Argentine culture is the main component in any style that developed from the original.
Tango culture is a real gift to humanity and I hope I could clarify the wrong cliché about it.
