Time to Tango

By Jaqueline Bueno[1]

There are people who say that tango only makes sense after thirty years old, I think it's true and my time has come, but the tango I've known is not the same anymore, there's something different about what they play and they dance nowdays. It looks like the traditional one, but there are electronic elements as well.

When I used to think of Tango, I've thought that its, something old, that was part of the traditions of Argentine music. Despite realizing that Tango is a musical style and a dance at couple, I did not know that the term "Tango" was  the African languages ​​originated because it was a small African drum, its “tambor” named.

According to the Argentine Tango teacher Ruben Dias, The Tango was born  in the late nineteenth century with a mix of many rhythms from the Buenos Aires suburbs. The choreography and the steps are very complex and the skills are more demanding. Balance is fundamental and there must be a connection between the dancers. Its not a sad and melancholic dance but according to him “a constant joy and plesure to dance, feel and flow together” .

The First Event and the Nuevidad

The innovation has come soon when one of those sound DJ dashboards was also part of the "event". The English DJ Rob Thomas has done his playlist with Tango Nueno style with notes of violin, piano and bandoneón that has continued to mark presence in the style. In addition an innovative combination of tones and electronic beats that innovate the environment. It has palyed that moment a Dubstep sound, but what happened with tango and electronic beats together?

 I went back to 1990 when electronic tango has came out. Besides the traditional instruments, the artists started to use computers to remix the sounds, I loved this. I like the mix of electronic elements that now innovate the New Tango or Tango Nuevo, without spoiling with its traditional style. The modernization made the young people interested in this new style, reviving the genuine interest in Tango. Particularly, I appreciate this electronic fusion with the bandoneón, cello, bass, violins. But many people do not like it, they prefer traditional fashion. It's a matter of taste, of course.

The Most interesting were the adapted and modified songs, both in lyrics and in style dancing rhythms, including the "Lounge" that flows naturally without the worry of steps and measures, setbacks and choreography. With less demands and less stiffness in the steps. It flows more easily especially for the beginners, because the dance is more relaxed, it requires connection and sensitivity between the partners.

In other words, whatever in traditional classical tango or modern contemporary tango, sensitivity will come on time, I always say:  it's not too late to start any activity that you want. There is no excuse if you are beautiful, ugly, high, low, bald, crooked or unbalanced, the time will come, because there are many styles of dance worldwide, surely one fits in your profile and time. No matter your  age, your appearance, your habilities or difficulties in learning, what is prevented someone from dancing is if you like or your prejudice with style of dancing.

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[1] Professora Jaqueline Bueno é mestre em Comunicação pela Universidade Católica de Brasília. E-mail: prof.jacbueno@gmail.com