About Argentine Tango

What is Argentine Tango?
Argentine Tango refers to the urban Argentine folk dance that developed around the turn of the 19th century and has continued to evolve through today. It is an improvised social dance with particular emphasis on good leading and following technique. As such, a mildly experienced tango dancer can dance with any partner regardless of whether or not they've dance before.

What's the difference between this and the tango I see on TV?
The difference is huge. The tango you see on TV, in those "Dancing with whomever" shows, is ballroom tango, which involves prechoreographed sequences of steps that are then pieced together into one dance. Here's what some of our members have to say about it:

Kara says, "Ballroom tango sucks."

Andrew says, "Ballroom tango is a caricature of Argentine tango. The soul and form of the dance is ripped out and replaced with flamboyant gestures that is then commercialized and exported."

As you can see, it can be a touchy subject. Since most of us have done both, we love to talk about it. But please, these are only opinions. We suggest that you come see the difference for yourself.

Please, tell me more!
If you want to find out more, then come and ask some of our more expierenced members. If you're looking for more reading on Argentine Tango on the internet, then Google it or Wiki it. I will post links to some articles that I've found to be very informative when it's not 3:17 in the morning.