How America Brought Tango to the Ballroom:
The Tango originated in the lower class districts of Buenos Aires, Argentina in the late 19th century. Wealthier classes then encountered it at brothels as Madams of the brothels would hire tango musicians to keep the men entertained while they waited in line for women to become available.
The Tango is a theatrical dance that is full of improvisation. This dance typically depicts a man pursuing a woman and her partially resisting him.
As Argentinean men began to travel abroad, the Tango was introduced to Europe, and in 1912 the Tango took Paris by storm. From there the dance became increasingly popular throughout the world and various different styles were developed. These different styles included the Argentine style, the English (International) style and the American ballroom style.
The History of the American Ballroom Tango
The Tango had already become popular in Europe and the Europeans started adding their own styles and culture into the dance. The English then standardized this version of the tango in order to teach it in dance schools. This standardized version of the Tango was originally referred to as the English style and then changed to the International style as it became the version that was practiced competitively around the world.
Although the American ballroom tango is probably the most simplified version, it is also the most ostentatious of all the Tangos. Following the English standardization of the Tango, American ballroom dance instructor, Arthur Murray, standardized a version of the Tango that could be taught in his chain of dance schools in America. He incorporated this style of Tango with both Argentine and Hollywood influences as well as mixing in other socially popular influences and techniques.
Film star Rudolph Valentino also demonstrated a highly stylized version of the Argentine tango in the 1921 film The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. After this, Hollywood style dancing and other American dancing steps of that time began to branch this style of Tango further away from the Argentine style.
This new style was therefore a looser and more social style and combined dancing in closed position with more expressive and showy moves. It became referred to as American style by the English.
This American style of Tango differs from the Argentine Tango in that it is more structured and connected to the music. Although it was criticized for its lack of authenticity and character, it soon began to be performed by famous dancers and became popular on stage and screen. With these theatrical performances of the Tango being performed, it is no surprise that the American ballroom tango style adopted a flamboyant and dramatic character.
The Tango is characterized by passion and seduction and to this day remains one of the most captivating dances to watch. It is also very challenging to learn as aside from the technical skills, both partners must exude passion and intensity in order to do this dance justice.
Dance Music for American Tango
Tango Orchester Alfred Hause: A media Luz
Tango Orchester Alfred Hause: Tango Notturno
Muchachos del Tango: Blue Tango
The New Tango Orchestra: El Internado
The New Tango Orchestra: Pachita
Ballroom Classics Three: Cuore Tzigano
Ballroom Classics Three?: Tango Della Notte
Andre Rieu: Ole' Guapa
Saliel il CD 2: Porta del Sol
Tango Syllabus Outline
Couple Demonstration
- To Music
- To a Teaching Count
Couple Technique
- Dance Position
- Leading
- Following
- Musicality
Leaders Pattern
- Alignment of Steps
- Timing
- Musicality
Followers Pattern
- Alignment of Steps
- Timing
- Musicality
The Tango Patterns:
Bronze Level of Social Dancing:
The Bronze Patterns can be danced in a crowded environment, or on a small floor.
The patterns are simpler and easier to lead/follow with a new acquaintance.
Bronze I dance figures
The Tango Basic teaches the core feeling of the Tango. Dance the Tango Basic with Flexed knees and elbows slightly raised. There should be a slight stacatto action to your steps. Don't forget the Heel Lead on most forward steps and a Toe Release on most backwards steps.
1) Tango Basic
The Tango Basic is the key to the movement and feeling of the American Tango.
View Pattern Step by Step with Photos
2) Basic Outside Partner
For Added Styling: The Follower can dance with one hand on the Lead's Chest and one hand on her hip, or swishing her dress.
3) Extended Basic
This pattern moves you across the ballroom floor while phrasing nicely to 16 counts, or 4 bars of 4/4 music.
4) Promenade
5) Corte'
6) Corte' with Leg Crawl
7) Rock and Corte'
8) Rock and Corte' w/Leg Crawl
9) Promenade to Corte'
10) Promenade to Fan
Bronze II dance figures
11) Rock and Fan
12) Rock and Turn
13) Fan with Outside Turn
14) Fan with Inside Turn
15) Contra Rocks
16) Doble' Corte'
17) Turning Rocks
18) Side Corte
19) Promenade Pivot
Silver Level figures
The Silver level of American Social Tango contains showier patterns that may travel more or add complexity. These patterns can be a challenge to lead on someone who is not your regular partner.
20) Open Reverse Turn
21) Open Reverse Turn, Gancho, and Fan
22) Corkscrew
23) Twist Turn
24) Wing
25) Spanish Drag
26) Cobra Fans to Lunge
27) Promenade to Supported Fans
28) Viennese Crosses
29) Fallaway Sacada to Fans
30) Leg lift to lunge
31) Shadow Rocks
32) Shadow Open Left Box
33) Contra Check
Gold Level figures
The Gold level of dance figures would include pre-choreographed segments. The Gold figures are almost mini-routines that probably will be danced (and practiced) with a regular partner. It would take some combined years of experience and variety of knowledge for two random dancers to execute these patterns. These showy figures would be well suited for a showcase or performance routine.
34) Sacada, Boleo, Molinete', Pencil Turn, Hip Gancho & Drag.
35) Corte' lunge, Back Attitude, Calecita, Front Attitude
Print a Paper copy: American_Tango_Syllabus.pub
College Tango 101
Tango Course for Colleges, Work in progress, first weeks instruction is ready for preview and feedback.
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I need guidance from college professors, instructors on what teaching material they would find useful.
College Tango 101: > College Tango 101 Week one
