10 septembre 2018

Learn The Tango: Latin America Active Adventures

By Ronald Stewart


The roots of the Argentine Tango run deep and can be traced bay to the 1800 s. At the time many Africans and Europeans found their way to Argentina. The gathered collectively in pubs and began to dance. The sensual, dramatic dance seeped with the longing and need of the people of the time. The partners displayed an intimate connection and every emotion was evident and it deserves to be mentioned as Latin America Active Adventures.

While the Tango music of today is quite upbeat it is by no means the type of music that characterizes the original Argentine Tango. The music primarily used for the dance is created on a German instrument that resembles an accordion. The instrument is called and Bandoneon and the sound emitted is melodic and carries undertones of romance. Modern-day variations of the Tango are classified as ballroom dancing, however, the original Argentine Tango was not intended as such.

Throughout history, the Argentine Tango was not seen as a competitive dance, it was done on a social level with dancers doing it for the fun and not to be compared to other dancers. However, times have changed and Tango competitions have become more prevalent.

Buenos Aires, Argentina hosts a Tango competition called the World Tango Dance Tournament. The competition forms an integral part of the Tango Festival held in the country during August. The first of these competitions or championships was held in 2003. The competition is sub-divided into two categories.

The Tango De Pista is the more regimented of the two categories and has strict requirements. Rules are in place and must be followed. This category also requires the use of the traditional milongas figures. The second, more relaxed, of the two categories, is the Tango Escenario. This discipline allows more freedom of expression through choreography and also incorporates other dance styles such as ballet. Up until 2013 couples entered into the competition had to be made up of a male and a female counterpart. Same gender couples are now eligible for participation.

Argentine Tango competitions are prevalent these days, however, it wasn t always so. Many still disapprove of the competitions, however, the benefits cannot be ignored. Competition always brings out the best in you and it brings to the fore the desire to better your skills. It is human nature to want to be better than those competing against you. Participating in a competition is preceded by intensive training and long hours of training which bring with them an improvement in your skills.

An Argentine Tango competition is the best place to put your skills to the test. This is where you find out if you really are as good as you think you are. A competition identifies areas where improvement is required. Nobody enjoys losing or receiving criticism, however, this should never be allowed to deny your self-esteem. It takes courage and confidence to dance and be judged, take the criticism constructively rather than to the heart. Be proud of your accomplishment and move on to becoming a better dancer.

As fierce as the competition is during one of these tournaments the camaraderie is something to be amazed at. While the contestants are dancing against each other, they are all experiencing the same nerves and applause as each other and they are all savouring the moments as they occur. You can t help but develop bonds with these people who have your same love at heart.




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