A Guide to the Tango: The Passionate Dance Culture of Argentina
Argentina’s iconic tango dancing is one of the most emblematic aspects of the country’s culture. The tango embodies the very essence of Argentine identity: passionate, profound, and with a complex history.
Travelers in Buenos Aires should take in at least one professional tango performance, and maybe even take a workshop to learn this quintessentially Argentine art form yourself.
Let’s explore everything about the tango, from its history to its cultural impact and how to experience it during your time in Argentina.
The Origins of the Tango
Although the tango is primarily known as an Argentine dance, it is an equally important aspect of neighboring Uruguay’s culture. This dance tradition was invented in the 1880s by residents of the Rio de la Plata region, which lies on the border of these two nations.
The first tango dancers were from the impoverished port regions of Argentina and Uruguay. The dance was influenced by a variety of other music and dance traditions that were common in this region at the time, such as the Argentine Milonga, Uruguayan Candombe, and Spanish-Cuban Habanera.
The tango first became popular in the dance halls and brothels of the lower-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo towards the end of the 19th century, but the dance only became socially acceptable after the turn of the 20th century.
By 1915, the tango had become an international cultural phenomenon, with a surge of popularity in the bohemian scenes of various European cities. The tango reached peak popularity in the 1940s. By this point, it was regularly performed in dance halls, social clubs, cabarets, and restaurants throughout Buenos Aires, a tradition that continues today.
Understanding the Art of the Tango
The tango has evolved in many directions over the past 140 years, as a wide range of styles have developed. Each unique style is a reflection of different eras, regions, and cultural influences—both in Argentina and in other parts of the world.
Argentine-Uruguayan and ballroom styles are the most popular and each showcases its own distinct techniques. Argentine-Uruguayan tango emphasizes initiating movement from the body’s center, followed by the feet. Ballroom tango involves flexing the lower joints before swiftly engaging the feet, which results in sharp, staccato steps in sync the with the rhythm of the music.
Tango’s steps typically glide across different styles, but vary widely in timing, speed, and character. The dance adjusts dynamically, matching the legato or staccato elements of the music and the emotions of the dancers.
Tango styles are defined by their distinct positions. Argentine tango uses a close embrace with full upper-body contact, while American Ballroom tango focuses on pelvis or upper-thigh contact. The footwork also sets apart different styles, with Argentine tango featuring unique moves like boleos and ganchos, which are not found in American Ballroom.
How to Experience the Tango in Argentina
You won’t have to look hard to find tango while on vacation in Argentina. However, there are many different ways to experience it as a tourist.
Tango Performances and Concerts
Tango shows are the easiest way to experience this iconic Argentine dance and music tradition. These performances are designed more for tourists than for locals, but don’t let that turn you off from the experience. Booking a table for a show is a great way to see the art form performed at its highest level, and you can enjoy a bottle of Malbec or another premium Argentine wine while you take in the performance.
Milongas
Milongas are late-night tango social gatherings held at dance halls and typically kick off after 1 a.m. Dancers of various skill levels are welcome, so don’t be intimidated if you’re a novice. Many milongas are held following tango classes, so taking a class is the best way to get an invite as a tourist.
La Viruta is one of the most famous milongas in Buenos Aires. Located in the Chic Palermo Soho neighborhood, some of the city’s best tango dancers are among the regulars here. But this dance hall is welcoming to dancers of all skill levels, as they offer classes for six different experience levels, from complete beginners to advanced.
Festivals
Since 1999, Argentina’s tango culture has taken over the entire city of Buenos Aires during the annual Buenos Aires Tango Festival each August. This festival includes workshops hosted by some of the country’s top tango dancers and musicians, along with a roster of international dancers from all corners of the globe.
The festival is a great place to learn for novices as well since these master classes are free. There are also more advanced classes for more experienced dancers. This festival also includes the World Tango Championship competition. Dancing couples from over 40 countries visit Buenos Aires to compete and show off their tango chops.
The city also introduced a new annual tango festival in 2021, the Abasto and Almagro Emerging Tango Festival. This festival is organized by locals, cultural leaders, and institutions in the Buenos Aires area and is held over five days in November or December.