The History of Tango

Background: Argentine Tango is a dance and musical genre that originated in Buenos Aires in the late 19th century. It is a cultural expression that combines music, lyrics, and movement, and it has become an important part of Argentine national identity.

Origins: The origins of Tango are somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to have developed from a variety of influences, including African, European, and indigenous cultures. Tango was originally danced by the lower classes in Buenos Aires and the surrounding areas.

Controversy: It was considered to be disreputable at that time – often associated with crime and brothels. It was considered inappropriate for respectable society.

Popularity: As Tango became more popular, it began to spread to other parts of Argentina and to other countries. In the early 20th century, Tango experienced a resurgence of popularity, making it fashionable among the middle and upper classes in Argentina.

Today: Tango is enjoyed by people of all social classes and is popular around the world.

Read more:

• Tango Anecdotes and Stories collected by Dimitris Bronowski
• Christine Denniston, the author of “The Meaning of Tango” has a website with a detailed history of Tango.
• Pablo Aslan wrote a long piece on the history & evolution of Tango music.
• To learn more: watch this lecture at the US Smithsonian about the Afro-Argentine Legacy of Tango, and read this Wikipedia article on History of Tango.

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