3 Things You Need to Know About the History of Tango Dance from Argentina

Have you ever seen a pair of dancers doing a tango dance? His movements that look very fun and energetic with lots of showing leg flexibility will certainly make anyone who watches it entertained. Tango dance is already popular all over the world. This dance is also one of the best types of dance to be performed in pairs.
Even the tango dance also has great health benefits. In several studies conducted in two different countries, namely in the United States and in Canada, it is stated that doing the tango dance is positively beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease.
This benefit comes from the movements in the tango dance that can improve body stability and balance and help form good posture. In addition to these special benefits, like sports and physical activity in general, tango dance is also very beneficial for physical and mental health.
Now to find out more about the tango dance, in this article, we will discuss the history and movements of this dance. Here’s the description.

La Boca: Where the Tango Dance Appeared
Perhaps it is common knowledge that the tango dance originated in Argentina, the country from which tango music also originates. In addition, it can also be said that this tango dance is one of the most famous products of Argentine culture in foreign countries.
Tango dance dates back to the late 19th century. At that time in Argentina carried out the abolition of the slavery system. At the same time, Argentina is also a destination country for many immigrants from various countries, such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. These immigrants played a role in increasing the rate of economic growth in Argentina.

It just so happens that Buenos Aires, as the capital city, is the city where the majority of immigrants live. At that time, the genre of music that was popular in Argentina was the genre of Habanera and Guajira music. This genre of music is influenced by musical styles originating from Africa and Latin America.
However, with the increasing level of the economy, not all residents of Buenos Aires become prosperous. Immigrants who are still not prosperous live on the outskirts with residents who were former slaves, namely in the La Boca area not far from the port. This is a lesson in itself, because this is where the tango style of music and dance comes from. Formerly this music and dance was called by the name “La Milonga”.

Early Tango History
At the beginning of its appearance, this dance is usually only played by men. It’s not that women aren’t interested or forbidden to do so. It’s just that at that time, in the La Boca area, the majority of the population was male, so it was very rare for women to do it there.
Slowly, this dance continues to be developed by adding variations to the movement both when performed individually or in pairs.

Tango Dance Development
In the early 20th century, several tango songs spread to Paris. Uniquely, these songs are spread orally, by word of mouth, rather than through writing. Since then, the tango dance has gained a place among the people of Paris. In addition, tango also became popular in some circles of the bourgeoisie. Since being popular in the French capital, tango has slowly become a more respected type of dance. Tango music which usually only uses guitar and drums is then also equipped with the use of instruments such as piano, violin, and bandoneon.

Such is the history and transformation of the tango dance. The dance, which is influenced by elements of Latin America and Africa, is now becoming popular in Europe and also throughout the world.