Learn The Tango: Latin America Active Adventures

By Ronald Stewart


The Argentine Tango is a dramatic, sensual style of dance that portrays a sense of intimacy between the partners. Argentine Tango originated as far back as the 1800 s. Difficult times experienced during that period initiated a sense of longing and need into the dance. Primarily performed by African and European migrants in Buenos Aires. This discipline now can be experienced as part of the many 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.

Buenos Aires, Argentina hosts a Tango competition called the World Tango Dance Tournament. The competition forms an integral part of the Tango Festival held in the country during August. The first of these competitions or championships was held in 2003. The competition is sub-divided into two categories.

The first category, Tango De Pista is the division that requires dancers to compete according to strict rules. Traditional milonga figures are an integral requirement in this division. The second category is called the Tango Escenario. This division is the more free form of the Tango. The dances are choreographed and incorporate a variety of dance disciplines which include the likes of ballet. Primarily it was a rule that all dance pairs include a male and female participant, however, in 2013 the rules changed allowing same-gender couples to compete.

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.

Tango competition is the perfect opportunity to test your abilities and skill levels. This will define whether or not your need for improvement. It is important not to let any shortcomings damage your self-esteem and confidence. Keep the dance fun and entertaining. Always remember why you started dancing the Argentine Tango to start with.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment