Tango originated in the working class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires in the 1800s. A variety of influences came together to shape and inspire the dance: ancient African rhythms, European music, the Cuban habenera, and the Argentine milong. Along the way several distinctive styles of tango came into being. Although at first the styles of tango may seem indistinguishable from one another, if you learn a little bit about tango and know what to look for, you can actually see big differences.
One of the most popular styles is called tango canyengue. This is a particularly rhythmic style that has all the basic and traditional elements of the dance. With the tango canyengue, you will see that the dancers have a closed embrace and are on the same axis. There is also an on- and off-beat rhythm and a sense of playfulness.
Another variation of the tango is called tango orillero, which features more kicking and rapid foot movements. This style developed in the suburbs, where dance halls typically had more space on the dance floor. As of late, the tango orillero sometimes even has some minor acrobatics incorporated.
Tango salon is a term that refers to tango that is danced in the salons of Buenos Aires. There are slow and smooth moves that emphasize good navigation and precision. There is also an emphasis placed on walking in tango salon. In fact, the dancers will walk more than half of the time.
Yet another style of tango is called estilo milonguero. This style came about in crowded dance halls in the 1940s and 50s. With this type of dancing, the partners have a close embrace and the dancers lean into each other. A chest to chest connection is emphasized.
Tango Nuevo is a newer movement that you might hear about when you learn Spanish in Argentina. This method is concerned with teaching students how to dance.
While the tango was initially considered a “low-class” form of dance, it was adopted and became very popular with the Argentinean high society in the early 1900s. Today this form of dance is popular with all types of people from all sorts of backgrounds. And because tango necessarily includes personal expression and improvisation, it continues to evolve to this day. When you attend Spanish school in Buenos Aires, be sure to check out the tango in different venues: salons, streetcorners, dance lessons. You may just witness a new style of this amazing dance evolving before your eyes!