tango-thoughts

[tango-thoughts]

Tango Rhythms

Here is a simple explanation of the rhythms of tango, vals, and milonga and how we usually interpret them in dancing.

It is not the only way of interpretation, but a good start. And of course, this post is not about musicality, only rhythm =)

TANGO

VALS

MILONGA

[tango-thoughts]

Tango Styles

There are many styles of tango present (perhaps as many as dancers and/or music). For simplicity, I'll distinguish only four. My way of differentiating the styles is based on the availability of space dances create through their embrace. But it is not the only way to distinguish.

Below, they are arranged starting from the closest (the tightest) embrace of milonguero style down to the full freedom of scenario:

Milonguero

Salon

Nuevo

Escenario

This distinction is arguable and the borders are very much smeared, however, it is enough for beginners to start exploring the rich world of Tango.

It should be mentioned that what we know as Argentine Tango has three dances in it:

tango

milonga

vals

These dances have common principles, techniques, and moves, and on the beginner level can be danced very similarly. However, the main difference is the music, it's rhythm and mood. The more dancers progress, the more specific features and techniques they find in each dance.

All three dances could be danced in any of the mentioned above styles which does not change the ideas of each dance.

MILONGUERO STYLE

The oldest style with closest embrace (as I call it, "in full contact"). Mostly suitable for rhythmical and early-age traditional melodies and milonga dance.

Many moves are restricted due to the embrace/body position. For example, "Americana" is not possible; or strong pivoting (if any) is challenging in ochos and replaced with crosses.

Below is also a good example of Tango Milonguero:

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SALON STYLE

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This is the style of the widest use and can actually include both milonguero and nuevo. But let's be a bit more strict and keep it separate.

This is how we mostly dance at tango social dancing events called "Milonga" (yes, to confuse everyone, it is the same word we use for the dance and music style "milonga).

The embrace is not that restricted and the distance/space between dancers can vary during the dance. But still, not everything is allowed/possible as dancers stay together all the time, without breaking or majorly changing the hold.

Mostly suitable for any traditional/classical orchestra.

One more video of Tango Salon:

NUEVO STYLE

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As the name says, it is kind of a "new" style of dancing. And it is closely connected to the "new" style of tango music with the most famous composer/musician being Astor Piazzolla.

The style is an exploration of the classical tango dance and its movements with a lot of questioning and rethinking. We can call it as "jazz of tango".

The style offers much more freedom of movement and the possibility to release or change the embrace.

Currently, nuevo can be danced to any music, there are no restrictions.

Due to it signature "width" of movement and some specific actions as high boleos or planeos, tango nuevo is not usually danced at traditional milongas (perceived as a bad etiquette and can be simply dangerous). However, there are special nuevo milongas, and quite often at the end of traditional milongas (when most of the dancers have left the event), DJs play nuevo.

ESCENARIO STYLE

This style is quite different form others. First of all it is choreographed (comparing to other styles that are based on improvisation), and constitutes a mixture of the dance, ballet, and acrobatics.

This style is applied only for shows. The music for tango escenario can be any, but very often more dramatic and nuevo compositions are used.

Arguably the most spectacular style of tango.