Learn The Tango: Latin America Active Adventures

By Ronald Stewart


The Argentine Tango has its roots in the 1800 s. This was a period of grave difficulty for many. It was this very fact that allowed the longing to be poured out in dance. During the period many Europeans and Africans found their way to Buenos Aires and it is these immigrants that started the dramatic and very sensual style of dance. The intimacy between the dance partners of an Argentine Tango duo is palpable, another one of Latin America Active Adventures.

The music associated with the Tango now is considerably different from that that was danced to during the original Argentine Tango. The Argentine style of music is romantic and filled with melodic tunes. The German accordion-like instrument called the Bandoneon was the primary instrument used to create the sounds. Argentine Tango is not referred to as a form of ballroom dancing, however, variations of the dance have become ballroom style displays.

The Argentine Tango was developed as a means of escape from harsh times and as an expression of emotion by the immigrants, it was never intended to be competitive. The social dance is more about mingling with other like-minded individuals, not being compared to others. Over time as more people began to take part in the dance and the advancements and changes occurred, a competition was the next step.

The Annual Argentine Tango competition, World Tango Dance Tournament, has been held in Buenos Aires since 2003. The competition is a part of the Tango Festival celebrated in Argentina each year in August. Two sub-divisions are evident in the competition and each has characteristics that set it apart from the other.

Category one is referred to as Tango De Pista. This division must abide by strict rules. The use of traditional milonga figures us imperative. Category two is called Tango Escenario and is a more free form of the dance. The end results are properly choreographed and include a mixture of other dance disciplines like ballet as well. Since 2013 allowance has been made for the entrance of couples are of the same gender.

As the Argentine Tango was primarily borne as a mean of expression and took place on a social platform, it was never intended for it to become competitive in nature. Over time and as the dance evolved into the modern day Tango competition seemed the next logical step. Many people are still negative about the competitiveness, however, there are benefits that are quite considerable. It is human nature to strive to be better and competition provides the driving force to improve. The months running up to any competition are filled with extensive practice and training which encourage improvement and defining of your skills.

There is no better place to put your skills to the test than a Tango competition. The results will reveal whether you require and where you require improvements and additional work. While it isn t always pleasant not taking first place, it is important that you don t let this affect your self-esteem. It takes tremendous confidence and courage to put yourself out there and you should be proud of the achievement. You started to dance the Tango for the love of it, keep that mindset.

Regardless of whether you are in a competition or not, all the competitors are in the same situation. You are all putting ourselves out there to be judged, you are all experiencing the nervous tension and you are all revelling in the cheers and applause. It is difficult not to caught up in the camaraderie of the sport. The excitement of the shared experiences allows you to develop bonds and friendships with the other dancers that go beyond competing against one another. You will find that those competing actually applaud the improvements of others and recognize achievements. Learning from one another is the key to success.




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