Argentine Tango at TLH

When we think of the tango it brings to mind dramatic dance moves, couples dancing on the streets, in open air bars of downtown Buenos Aires, or maybe we conjure up pictures of Vincent and Flavia dancing together on Strictly Come Dancing.

The exact origins are lost in the mists of time and could go back to when African slaves were brought to Argentina in the early 1800s. The Argentine Tango itself has its roots in Buenos Aires towards the end of the 19th century, and seemingly grew out of a variety of dance influences from Spain and Uruguay. Young men introduced the moves to the Corrales Viejos—the slaughterhouse district of Buenos Aires—and various low-life establishments where dancing took place such as bars, dance halls and brothels, where African rhythms met the Argentine milonga.

Although high society looked down upon the activities of the poor, the sons of the well-to-do were not averse to slumming and eventually the tango spread across the country. Today the dance should remind us of the gauchos coming off the pampas meeting up with the ladies of the night. It should be powerful, expressive and passionate.

The dance is still heavily based on improvisation although there is a distinct difference between Ballroom Tango and Argentine Tango, the most obvious being in the shape of the hold. Ballroom tango requires that partners arch their upper bodies away from each other, while maintaining contact at the hip. In Argentine tango, it is nearly the opposite.

Our Argentine Tango breaks are hosted by top dancer and teacher Fernando Guidi who has spent many years looking into the background and origins of the dance.

Take a look at all of our Tango Breaks here at TLH Leisure Resort in Torquay

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