Tango: A journey through history, culture and dance

We have finished one battle to begin another. After several months of challenging, thoughtful and intensive research into the history of the "Tango Story," we are ready to dive deeper into the fascinating tale of one of the most beautiful and sensual dances in the world - the Argentine tango.

Let's start with the basics. Argentine tango is unique and one of a kind. It was born around 1880 in the Rio de la Plata region, which includes Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Montevideo, Uruguay. Although some theories suggest other possible origins, such as Cuba, Andalusia or even Africa, there is no doubt that the true home of tango is in South America. Our goal is not to prove that tango originated elsewhere, but to understand its roots, which lead us on a fascinating journey through different continents and eras.

Tango: Structure and Geographical Roots

To better understand the history of tango, it is useful to look at its development in a geographical and cultural context. Key regions that have played a role in shaping tango are:

Central Africa, with the former Kingdom of the Congo, where many slave rhythms and dances originated.
The Caribbean, especially Cuba, where African rhythms merged with Spanish contradanza to form the habanera.
The south of Spain, or Andalusia, where the habanera evolved into the tango andaluz.
Rio de la Plata, encompassing Buenos Aires and Montevideo, where Argentine tango was born and evolved.
Spain and France in the early 20th century, where tango was gaining popularity in the salons of Europe.
Argentina in the 1930s, when tango became a global phenomenon.
The world between 1913 and 1930, a period when tango won the hearts of people around the globe.
The modern era, when different variations of tango, such as tango nuevo, gained popularity.

Each of these regions had its own influence in shaping tango, and different dance styles developed depending on which influences prevailed during the period. There are numerous visions and theories about which elements of tango came from which region. For example, some researchers believe that tango andaluz came from Spain, while others claim it was a modified habanera. Each of these theories is interesting and part of the rich mosaic of tango history.

The origins of tango: from proto-tango to canyenge

The origins of tango date back to around 1850, when the so-called proto-tango was born. At the time, Buenos Aires was experiencing a great immigration boom that increased the city's population many times over during the 19th century. It was a key port city, as was Montevideo in neighboring Uruguay, making both cities hubs for cultural exchange.

At the same time, Cuba saw the emergence of contradanza, which came from Spain and was mixed with the African rhythms of slaves from the Kingdom of the Congo. Thus was born the Cuban habanera, the first musical hit from Cuba, which became popular not only in the Caribbean, but also in Spain. There, the habanera evolved into the tango andaluz, which then made its way to South America.

In Buenos Aires, as the city grew in prominence, the habanera and andaluz tango began to mix with local dances such as candombe (an Afro-Argentine dance), as well as European rhythms such as waltzes, mazurkas and polkas, brought by immigrants, including numerous Poles. This is how the canyenge dance style, considered one of the first tangos, was created. Today it is almost forgotten, but the style is an important part of tango history.

The evolution of tango: from the streets of Buenos Aires to the salons of Europe

Initially danced on the streets of Buenos Aires by the lowest social strata, such as prostitutes, thieves and former slaves, the tango gradually began to gain popularity. The name "tango" first appeared in 1890 and is believed to be derived from a Bantu language word used by African slaves.

At the beginning of the 20th century, tango began to conquer Europe, where it gained recognition in the salons of Paris, London and Berlin. Tango fascinated both aristocrats and artists, becoming a symbol of modernity and sensuality. In 1913, true "tangomania" began, and tango dances were held at balls and clubs around the world.

It is interesting to note that the Argentine elite, who initially despised tango as a "street dance," only began to appreciate its value when they saw the West's admiration for the dance. For many, tango was synonymous with exoticism and irrepressible emotion, which attracted artists and intellectuals.

Modern faces of tango

In the 1930s, tango experienced its golden years, gaining the status of an international phenomenon. It was then that iconic compositions and choreographies were born, which still inspire dancers around the world today. Tango constantly evolved, and in the 1950s, influenced by Astor Piazzolla's musical innovations, a new current was created - tango nuevo. Piazzolla revolutionized tango music by adding elements of jazz and classical contemporary music.

Modern tango includes not only classical salon dances, but also experimental forms of expression, such as tango fantasia and tango nuevo. Today, tango is danced all over the world, from Buenos Aires to Tokyo, from Paris to New York, and its magic continues uninterrupted.

Summary: Tango as a global phenomenon

Argentine Tango is not only a dance, but also a reflection of history, culture and migration. Its roots stretch across continents, and its evolution is a testament to the complexity of the human experience. Today, tango continues to fascinate, attracting dancers and music lovers from around the world.

What began as a local street dance has become a global phenomenon that brings people of different cultures and nationalities together. Tango is a constant journey - full of passion, excitement and the constant discovery of new rhythms.