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Justine Shapiro dances the fiery tango
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Argentina's answer to sensualismo is the tango, a dance
so unique it is instantly associated with the country and
has since become the most striking icon of Argentinian culture.
While in Buenos Aires its very easy to watch it in
fairs and outdoor markets or 'tango clubs' where shows are
put on for tourists. But to truly experience the tango you
need to get on the dancefloor and try it for yourself.
History
Rising up from the poor working-class neighbourhoods of Buenos
Aires in the 1800's, tango is a fusion of European coolness
and Gaucho (Argentinian cowboy) passion. Tango was a way for
struggling immigrants to express their frustrations and desires
while the upper class Argentinian society looked down on the
dance as lower class. Years later this attittude changed forever
when the tango was discovered by the international dance scene.
It exploded into a global phenomenon seen everywhere from
Sydney to Beijing to New York. While the tango was banned
in Argentina during military dictatorship in the early 1980's
the dance experienced a tremendous revival in the country
after the military's downfall as people embraced the dance
as a vital part of their country's soul.
How to Tango
It is an easy dance to learn for beginners because the tango
is more walked than 'danced,' so all you need to do is grab
an experienced dancer and follow along. It helps to have a
quick ability to imitate as the dance can move rather quickly.
Machismo takes control here as it is the the man that always
leads so it is easier for women to learn than men.
There are three basic steps to this dance: the side step,
forward step and the backwards step and four directions in
which the two pairs of each couple's can go.
While the music 'tells' you what to do with musical marks,
the participants are allowed to improvise as they go by adding
a turn here and a movement there creating a mesmerizing sight
of clicked heels as the two people move as one. It is an incredibly
sensuous experience because to do the tango properly the couples
must move in an intimate rhythm and it's essential to have
a good sense of balance and good posture.
What to Wear
Wearing the appropriate shoes (preferably ones that slide
easily on wooden floors, making the steps easier to complete)
is more important than clothing however professional tango
dancers take pride in their elegant, often black, costumes.
Black trousers and a dress shirt for men is recommended, while
women may want to consider wearing a dress with a high hemline
to get the 'twirl' so famous in the tango when rapid spins
are performed.
Where to Go
Lots of locals attend the tango clubs that can be found in
many parts of Buenos Aires but to avoid the heavily touristed
(and expensive) shows head for San Telmo's clubs that
are found scattered around this bohemian neighbourhood. You
can watch experts effortlessly tango move across the dancefloor
and afterwards have a lesson with the pros. For longer term
residents dance schools can be found all over the city where
private lessons can be taken. Once you return home its extremely
easy to keep this uniquely Argentinian experience alive by
taking up the numerous classes on offer almost everywhere. |
