From bent knees to balletic leaps: the evolution of Argentine Tango
In short: Tango is not a static set of rules but a living lineage of movement. From its humble, grounded origins to sophisticated stage performances, the dance has constantly morphed, with each new style absorbing and refining the techniques that came before it.
The evolution of Argentine Tango is characterized by a progression of posture and proximity. It began with 'canyengue' in the early 1900s, defined by bent knees, a bent back, and a cheek-to-cheek embrace. This eventually transitioned into 'tango criollo,' which introduced a straighter back. The movement then evolved into 'tango liso' (smooth tango), which further straightened the posture until the knees were no longer bent. A pivotal 1916 publication codified the dance at this stage, noting that feet moved closer together, establishing the foundation for modern footwork.
The global spread of tango liso to cities like Paris, Berlin, and Tokyo during its peak popularity led to common stereotypes involving roses and dramatic facial expressions. However, a structural shift occurred in the late 1930s or around 1938 with the introduction of the 'cross.' This allowed dancers to move from a cheek-to-cheek position to a 'fall apart' position. By bringing the feet closer during the cross, dancers enabled the complex interactions of 'arrastres,' 'ganchos,' and 'boleros' that define contemporary footwork.
In the 1970s and 1980s, 'tango fantasia' emerged as a performance-oriented style. Because the sophisticated jumps and lifts of fantasia were unsuitable for the traditional 'milonga' or tango salon, they were reserved for the stage, reaching a level of complexity comparable to ballet. Most recently, 'tango nuevo' emerged, blending traditional elements with electronic music and a greater emphasis on the 'open embrace.' Rather than replacing old styles, these techniques coexist, with dancers often blending various influences into a generalized practice.
Ultimately, the history of tango is a history of physical geometry. Each style represents a different balance between the intimacy of the embrace and the freedom of the feet. Whether it is the grounded nature of canyengue or the expansive reach of tango nuevo, the dance remains a continuous dialogue between past techniques and modern innovation.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 5 Styles of Argentine Tango | Argentine Tango
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/society-5-styles-of-argentine-tango-argentine-tango.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Society · Latest · A–Z · All topics
