 |
|
Learn About The
TANGO
An American Smooth Dance
(International Standard Dance)
Back to Dance List
|
The Tango became popular in the
brothels of Argentina. As immigrants and gypsies from Europe,
Africa, and ports unknown streamed into the outskirts of Buenos Aires
during the 1880's, many gravitated toward the port city's saloons.
Today the Tango epitomizes the glamour and elegance of
high society, with women in sleek glittering evening gowns and men in
tux and tails.
The word "tango" comes from the
Latin word tangere (to touch.) Musical historians argue about
the
exact origins of the Tango music, it is generally accepted that the
music is influenced by
many nations--the rhythms of the African slaves--the candombe--beat
on their drums (known as tan-go); the pulsing music combines
the Indian
rhythms with a Latin and Spanish musical expression.
The three
major forms of Tango correspond to this musical influence. The
Argentine style is slow, slinky, sensual and very stylized.
The American style is a bit faster, very dramatic and "catlike",
using 8 and 16 count patterns. The International style is
faster, with more stacato action. |
|
|
|
Character:
|
Staccato, dramatic, cat like,
and stalking movements.
|
|
1. |
Staccato
Movement (Step - Hold) |
|
2. |
Progression
around L.O.D. ---Line of Dance (imaginary line around a ballroom) |
|
3. |
Dramatic
steps, i.e. Fans, Flicks, Dips, Lunges |
|
4. |
Upward
Poise and Carriage |
|
5. |
Use of
Contra Body Movement |
|
6. |
Crablike
walking movements (Right Side Lead) |
|
|
|
Footwork: |
|
Forward Steps
- Heel/Ball foot action
Back Steps -
Ball/Flat or Ball/Heel
Side Steps -
Inside Edge of Ball, or Inside Edge of Whole Foot
H/B
H/B H/B IWF IBF |
|
NOTE: The
Forward walk should be practiced with diligence. The left foot steps
across the right foot in CBMP, while the right foot steps forward
with a right shoulder lead. The left foot hits on the outside edge
of the heel, while the right foot hits on the inside edge of the foot
first. |
|
|
Tempo:
|
American Bronze 30-32
International 32
Argentine 24- 28
|
|
Count:
|
American
Rhythms use counts of 8 beats, or 16 beats for most variations
(combinations of 8 counts)
For Example:
|
|
S
S Q Q S
|
|
1-2
3-4 5 6 7-8 |
|
T
A N
G O |
There
are many various counts that can also be used in the American
style. |
| |
|
Note 1: International elements use variety of counts:
1 or more slow counts for walks, 2 quick counts for links, etc. |
| |
|
Note 2: Argentine elements also use a variety of
counts and is a slower, sensual, passionate form of the Tango. |
|
This content is intended as general information and should
not be used in lieu of an actual dance class to learn the
aforementioned dance. |
|
| |
Back to Dance List |
|