The American Tango is a more elegant, less passionate version of the Argentine Tango. In a very sophisticated manner the partners usually maintain an upright position at a respectable distance while dancing in a formal style. It's perfect for a family wedding or other formal occasion.
The punctuated rhythm that underscores the music is still Argentine, but there are some differences in the American version. Passion is expressed with minimal or no touching as partners separate and perform individually or in unison. It combines Latin sensuality with New York sophistication. The steps are more formal and formulaic but one can still express the classic tale of war between the sexes and unbridled love.
The Argentine Tango was born over 100 years ago as a cosmopolitan form of self expression and freedom, with a definite passion for life. Argentina was home to many European immigrants, so the dance was influenced by many cultures. Some say the American Tango was a product of Hollywood as a dance of love, but had to be toned down for the prudish public at the time. In truth, the Argentine Tango was considered too racy by many in Argentina and the dance was condemned by many authorities. Warnings abounded that it would lead to such evils as debauchery and arthritis. Even so, the dance became a European craze in the 1900's, and star of the silver screen Rudolph Valentino solidified his "Latin Lover" status by making the more reserved version of the Tango a hit in America in 1921. Apparently, there was just something about a woman dancing with a rose in her teeth that really appealed to the Times Square crowd. Be sure to snip off the thorns first. Ouch!
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 punctuated rhythm that underscores the music is still Argentine, but there are some differences in the American version. Passion is expressed with minimal or no touching as partners separate and perform individually or in unison. It combines Latin sensuality with New York sophistication. The steps are more formal and formulaic but one can still express the classic tale of war between the sexes and unbridled love.
The Argentine Tango was born over 100 years ago as a cosmopolitan form of self expression and freedom, with a definite passion for life. Argentina was home to many European immigrants, so the dance was influenced by many cultures. Some say the American Tango was a product of Hollywood as a dance of love, but had to be toned down for the prudish public at the time. In truth, the Argentine Tango was considered too racy by many in Argentina and the dance was condemned by many authorities. Warnings abounded that it would lead to such evils as debauchery and arthritis. Even so, the dance became a European craze in the 1900's, and star of the silver screen Rudolph Valentino solidified his "Latin Lover" status by making the more reserved version of the Tango a hit in America in 1921. Apparently, there was just something about a woman dancing with a rose in her teeth that really appealed to the Times Square crowd. Be sure to snip off the thorns first. Ouch!
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 amazing choreography for over thirty years. The own New York City'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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