Saturday, September 8, 2018

Learn The Tango: Latin America Active Adventures

By Ronald Stewart


The Argentine Tango has its roots in the 1800 s. This was a period of grave difficulty for many. It was this very fact that allowed the longing to be poured out in dance. During the period many Europeans and Africans found their way to Buenos Aires and it is these immigrants that started the dramatic and very sensual style of dance. The intimacy between the dance partners of an Argentine Tango duo is palpable, another one of Latin America Active Adventures.

The music associated with the Tango now is considerably different from that that was danced to during the original Argentine Tango. The Argentine style of music is romantic and filled with melodic tunes. The German accordion-like instrument called the Bandoneon was the primary instrument used to create the sounds. Argentine Tango is not referred to as a form of ballroom dancing, however, variations of the dance have become ballroom style displays.

The Tango was never intended as a competitive dance. People took part in the love of the dance and the freedom of expression is allowed. The dance was always intended to be a social one, not one where you are compared to others. Times are different and Tango competitions are becoming the norm.

The Annual Argentine Tango competition, World Tango Dance Tournament, has been held in Buenos Aires since 2003. The competition is a part of the Tango Festival celebrated in Argentina each year in August. Two sub-divisions are evident in the competition and each has characteristics that set it apart from the other.

The Tango De Pista is the more regimented of the two categories and has strict requirements. Rules are in place and must be followed. This category also requires the use of the traditional milongas figures. The second, more relaxed, of the two categories, is the Tango Escenario. This discipline allows more freedom of expression through choreography and also incorporates other dance styles such as ballet. Up until 2013 couples entered into the competition had to be made up of a male and a female counterpart. Same gender couples are now eligible for participation.

While many may frown on Tango Competitions, there are some benefits to taking part. Competing always forces you to push yourself to improve, you want to be better than the person dancing against you. The training and intensive practice sessions mean lots of dancing and time to perfect your moves.

There is no better place to put your skills to the test than a Tango competition. The results will reveal whether you require and where you require improvements and additional work. While it isn t always pleasant not taking first place, it is important that you don t let this affect your self-esteem. It takes tremendous confidence and courage to put yourself out there and you should be proud of the achievement. You started to dance the Tango for the love of it, keep that mindset.

Regardless of whether you are in a competition or not, all the competitors are in the same situation. You are all putting ourselves out there to be judged, you are all experiencing the nervous tension and you are all revelling in the cheers and applause. It is difficult not to caught up in the camaraderie of the sport. The excitement of the shared experiences allows you to develop bonds and friendships with the other dancers that go beyond competing against one another. You will find that those competing actually applaud the improvements of others and recognize achievements. Learning from one another is the key to success.




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