Two to Tango

“Other music exists to heal wounds; but the tango when sung and played is for the purpose of opening them, for the purpose of sticking you finger in the wound and to tear them until they bleed.”

Considered one of the most romantic dances, the tango is a story of passion and politics, a fascinating journey of immigration. So much so that in 2009, the tango was actually declared a world heritage of humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Although there are several tango dance styles, such as the Argentine Tango, Uruguayan Tango, Ballroom tango (American and International styles), Finnish tango, and vintage tangos, what is considered authentic is the one danced in Argentina and Uruguay.

There is also a newer style that’s sometimes called “Tango Nuevo” or “New Tango” that has been popularized by a younger generation of dancers recently. Here, the embrace is often quite open and very elastic, allowing the man to lead a large variety of very complex figures. It is a style often associated with dancing to jazz- and techno-tinged “alternative Tango” music.

Popularised by Hollywood in films like “Scent of a Woman” with Al Pacino, “True Lies” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and even in the recent teen flick by Disney, “Another Cinderella Story” with Selena Gomez, the tango has gained worldwide appreciation, across a wide range of age groups.

Dancing the tango improves one’s dynamic balance, turning, initiation of movement, moving at a variety of speeds, and walking backward. Thus, the dancing tango has been linked to increased heart health, better balance, improved memory, and consequently, also weight loss.

For those who want to try out the tango, the TangoClub will be dancing on 24 February, at 7:00pm, outside Cafe Limon on Princes Wharf with everyone free to join in.

The TangoClub will also be giving free beginners’ Argentine tango class with experienced instructors and New Zealander tango champions on 28 February, at 5:00 pm, at the St. Patrick’s Square, 43 Wyndham Street, Auckland Central Business District.

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