The Tango began in the West Indies and found its way to Argentina where it was stylized by the Gauchos. It became the rage in 1921 after the silent screen star Rudolph Valentino brought this romantic dance to millions in “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” More recently, it has been danced in movies such as “True Lies” and “Scent of a Woman.” Today, the Tango is considered the “dancer’s dance” and is a favorite of all who learn it.
Tango music is usually written in 2/4 or 4/4 timing. The first teaching rhythm in tango is slow, slow, quick, quick, slow.
The hold in Tango is more compact than in other moving dances. The walk in Tango differs from walks in other dances in that the feet are picked up and placed in time to the staccato rythm.
Tango songs and artists include:
- “Hernando’s Hideaway” – from ‘The Pajama Game’
- “Whatever Lola Wants” – from ‘Damn Yankees’
- “La Cumparsita” – Julio Iglesias
- “Por Una Cabeza” – from ‘Scent of a Woman’