History and Characteristics of Tango
Tango is one of the most fascinating of all the dances. Originally created in Spain or Morocco, the Tango was introduced to the New World by Spanish settlers, eventually coming back to Spain with Black Creole influences. The dance was soon considered to be immoral because of its flirty music and movements!
Ballrom Tango originated in the lower class of Buenos Aires. Clothing was dictated by full skirts for the women and gauchos of Argentina. Men would wear chaps that were hardened by the foam and sweat from a horsed body. Hence, the gauchos would walk with their knees flexed.
They would walk into local night clubs and ask the local girls to dance. Because the gaucho hadn’t showered, the lady would dance in the crook of the man’s arm, holding her head back. The man danced in a curving fashion because the floor was small with round tables, so he danced around and between them.
Tango music is very dramatic, with a drum roll between beats 4 & 1.
