Argentine Tango - a brief history
Tango from rags to riches
The Golden Age
The Revival
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Tango has come to symbolize the glamour and elegance of high society, with women in sleek glittering evening gowns and men in tux and tails. However, the truth is that tango originated in society's underbelly - in the brothels of 19th century Argentina. As immigrants from Europe, Africa, and ports unknown streamed into the outskirts of Buenos Aires during the 1880s, many were drawn towards the brothels and bordellos on the back streets of Buenos Aires. It was here that tango really came to life. These illegal brothels were known as Academies de Dance as a cover up, so that if police raided the joint, there would appear to be a ‘dancing instruction’ going on. |
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From this mixed culture emerged a new music and dance which became the tango. Although the exact musical origin of tango is unclear, it is generally accepted that the tango borrowed from many nations in particular Africa and Europe. Around 1880 the Bandoneon (an accordion-like instrument) arrived from Germany, its wailing sound caught the feeling of the tango, and has been linked to tango music from then to now.
Originally, the tango dance developed as an 'acting out' of the relationship between the prostitute and her pimp. In fact, the titles of the first tangos referred to characters in the world of prostitution. These tango songs and dances had no lyrics, were often highly improvised, and were generally regarded as obscene. Furthermore, the early tangos not only represented a kind of sexual choreography, but often a duel. This man-to-man combat between challengers for the favours of a woman usually ended in the symbolic death of an opponent. It is said that the women could choose their client by their dancing skills, the man had three dances to prove himself.
During that time the dance was totally rejected by the upper class of Buenos Aires society, as a dirty street dance. However in the way that popular culture develops, this dance and it's music moved up the social scale, and was picked up by sons of the rich who allegedly visited these ‘Dance Academies’ for instruction.
By 1910 the rich sons of Argentina were making their way to Paris, centre of the cultural and entertainment world. These handsome rich Latin boys introduced the tango into a society which was hungry for innovation. By 1913 the tango had spread from St. Petersburg to New York and had become an international phenomenon. Hollywood glamorised the tango to a mass audience, with Valentino as the most famous tangoing gaucho. The Argentine upper class, who had to date disregarded the tango, were now forced into accepting it.
During the First World War tango boomed, and it was during this time the first tango film and recordings were made. After the War tango became the dominant music and dance of the 1920s, and moved out of the small venues to become a mass entertainment, danced by thousands of respectable citizens. The dance was refined to slick and elegant ‘salon style’. At that time Argentina was also one of the richest countries in the world.
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By the 1930s tango had gone out of fashion in Europe, but in Argentina the Golden Age was just starting. Music, poetry and culture was flourishing as was the tango - which came to be the fundamental expression of Argentine culture.
The Golden Age of tango lasted through the 40s and 50s which is regarded as the greatest period of development and expression. However, with the arrival of American swing and Rock and Roll, tango went out of fashion, and was only danced by the older generation of enthusiasts. |
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The early 1980s saw the revival of the tango, when a stage show Tango Argentino toured the world creating a dazzling version of the tango. Also the arrival of democracy in Argentina, and a search for a national culture, the tango interest was revived. Currently there is an explosion of interest around the world with places to dance the tango in many cities and a growing circuit of international festivals and shows.
Tango Festivals in Scotland
Tango in Scotland is booming and this autumn Glasgow will be hosting its first tango festival 'Tango in the City' with workshop, music and performances by internationally aclaimed dancers and musicians. The event will take place 20 - 22 October for further information visit Tango in the City website.
Bailonga 2006! Edinburgh
Edinburgh will be following suite the weekend of 1 - 3 December 2006 with it's fourth Bailonga! - a celebration of Argentine Tango. Bailonga! has fast become a growing and popular festival, featuring the best UK-based tango dancers including Edinburgh based Jenny Frances and Ricardo Oria.
This year's event will offer 16 workshops over the weekend, performances and also present the new Atemporal Tango Lounge.
Beginners Course @ Bailonga!
For those who want to try Tango for the first time, alongside the main programme there will be a beginners course given by Toby Morris, both Saturday and Sunday.
For further information and to book a place email Rumbos de Tango. | |