What is Argentine Tango?

The Benefits of Argentine Tango

Argentine Tango is a social dance originating in Buenos Aires, Argentina among immigrants who could not speak each other's language. From such desperate circumstances of strife and loss, these diverse groups formed this dance of genuine communication—a fun dance that enabled them to live and work.

In both music and movement, Argentine Tango reflects the contributions from Italy, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and Creole and African influences. Argentine gauchos (the milongueros) in the dance halls of Buenos Aires evolved continuous creativity for the dance—and they continue to do so today.

The partners focus on each other and on the music to improvise and exquisitely connect in a way unique to Argentine Tango. This connection is vital—in order to do a dance where every step is improvised, both partners must pay full attention to each other.

The dance can be as athletic as the dancers wish to create or as easy on the body as the partners wish. There are as many styles of the dance as there are dancers.

A Living Art

Although there are patterns or sequences of steps that instructors use to teach the dance, Argentine Tango is based on improvisation. The partners create new step patterns and combine them in infinite variety. It has been called "living art" that is created in the moment as it happens.

Dancing Argentine Tango is always fun, creative, and never boring. When times are hard, Tango can lift you up.

“LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!”


^ Top

Previous page: Grants Pass First Argentine Tango Clinic
Next page: Tango in Southern Oregon