In the midst of the
greatest dance evolution in the history of America (1910 -
1914), the Tango made its bid for popularity. It instantly
struck the dance-conscious public's fancy because its
interesting, asymmetrical and sophisticated figures added
the needed suavity to dancing.
There is not a clearly
defined country of origin to which the Tango may be
credited. It is claimed to have originated not only in
Argentina, but also in Brazil, Spain, and Mexico. The
earliest traces of the Tango date back to the 19th Century,
to the folk dances of Argentina. The "Milonga", thought to
have Moorish, Arabic, and Spanish ancestry, was at first an
ancient Spanish song form adapted to the dance by early
country folk of Argentina.
Years later, the
Argentinean plainsmen (the "Gauchos") danced a modified
version of the "Milonga" in the bawdy cafes of Buenos Aires.
The youths of Argentina and Cuba changed the name to
"Tango", and the style to one that was more acceptable to
society. The Cubans danced it to Habanera rhythms, which are
syncopated, and obscured the basic Milonga rhythm. It was
not until after it went to Paris, and was reintroduced to
Argentina, that the music was restored to its native style.
For the last 70 years, the
4-beat Tango rhythm has endured . The music is now
universal, with many types of different styles depending
upon the customs of the country. Of all the dances that came
into being in the early 20th Century , only the Tango has
continued to enjoy undiminished favor, up to this present
age.
