The American Tango is a sophisticated and dramatic, yet less passionate version of the Argentine Tango. The partners generally maintain and upright position keeping a respectable distance away from one another while dancing in a formal style. If you don't want to shock your grandmother your family wedding well this is the Tango for you.
The metered, punctuated rhythm that underscores the music is still all Argentine, but in many ways, the American Tango is a dance of contrast. Passion is expressed with minimal touching - or none at all - as partners separate and perform individually or in unison. Latin sensuality combines with New York sophistication. Steps are more formal and formulaic in the American version, yet allow for a wide variety of expression. The Tango speaks of unbridled love, yet often also represents the war between the sexes in a stylish duel between the male and female partners. They are attracted to each other, separate, and reunite throughout the dance, just as in real life.
The Argentine Tango was influenced by the many cultures that emigrated to Argentina over a hundred years ago and became a dance of self expression and freedom. The American version, however, was a product of Hollywood that had to be toned down for the public at the time. Rudolph Valentino made this more reserved version a hit in America in 1921 and solidified his "Latin Lover" status.
Influenced by ballroom dances such a the Waltz, the American Tango is an elegant dance composed of a formal position, staccato movements, and witty head snaps that are totally foreign to Argentine Tango. Leg locks are very brief, if even used. While the Latin version focuses on passion, the American Tango focuses on fun with the risk of offending anyone.
You can easily dance the night away with only a few practiced moves of the American Tango. And the more move you learn the more impressive you will be. With dips and turns, leg sweeps and head snaps, you can easily look like a pro. But remember to have fun. That's what the Tango is for!
The metered, punctuated rhythm that underscores the music is still all Argentine, but in many ways, the American Tango is a dance of contrast. Passion is expressed with minimal touching - or none at all - as partners separate and perform individually or in unison. Latin sensuality combines with New York sophistication. Steps are more formal and formulaic in the American version, yet allow for a wide variety of expression. The Tango speaks of unbridled love, yet often also represents the war between the sexes in a stylish duel between the male and female partners. They are attracted to each other, separate, and reunite throughout the dance, just as in real life.
The Argentine Tango was influenced by the many cultures that emigrated to Argentina over a hundred years ago and became a dance of self expression and freedom. The American version, however, was a product of Hollywood that had to be toned down for the public at the time. Rudolph Valentino made this more reserved version a hit in America in 1921 and solidified his "Latin Lover" status.
Influenced by ballroom dances such a the Waltz, the American Tango is an elegant dance composed of a formal position, staccato movements, and witty head snaps that are totally foreign to Argentine Tango. Leg locks are very brief, if even used. While the Latin version focuses on passion, the American Tango focuses on fun with the risk of offending anyone.
You can easily dance the night away with only a few practiced moves of the American Tango. And the more move you learn the more impressive you will be. With dips and turns, leg sweeps and head snaps, you can easily look like a pro. But remember to have fun. That's what the Tango is for!
About the Author:
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin have been performing, teaching, creating and developing fantastic choreography for over three decades. The run NYC's premier dance center If you want to learn more information of any dances make sure you check out their site. They are currently coachingdance lessons in NYC
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