When you arrive in Buenos Aires there are a few things that are
impossible to avoid… Inflation, dog poo and thankfully, the
tango.
So what is the official definition of the Tango?
tan·go/ˈtaNGgō/
Noun:A ballroom dance originating in Buenos Aires,
characterized by marked rhythms and postures and abrupt
pauses.
Nearly a century ago the tango took over Buenos Aires and is
still very much alive in the hearts of porteños (people from the port city of BA).
There are a many options for the visiting tourist to experience
Tango, there's the Tango dinner shows, like a Hollywood cabaret
version that are as glitzy as they are pricey. Then there's the
slightly intimidating but wonderful Milongas where locals dance
'til dawn or you can witness the Tango street performers on
brightly coloured Boca streets.
Recently I met Facundo, a bright-eyed young entrepreneur who
wanted to create a more intimate and real tango experience, without
the huge price tag. His new concept is called We Are
Tango and he runs a weekly show on the edge of Palermo. Half a dozen small tables sit at the
edge of the wooden dance floor and the theatre begins as soon as
you are seated, with playful banter between audience and
performers.
The night begins with picadas, (Argentine nibbles of cheese,
meats and olives) and delicious Mendoza Malbec wine. The history of
the tango is explained, from Gauchos (cowboys) of old to the modern
dance we know today, covering three distinct time and style
periods.
You are close enough to feel the breeze of the tango dress as
it flies past your cheek and the intimate setting and music keeps
you locked in hypnotic fascination.
It is a show that feels like it is just for you, the dancers
make eye contact and navigate the dancefloor, constantly aware of
your presence.
The three piece band create the heartbeat but the dancers find
their own rhythm in this passionate cat and mouse performance.
At the end of the show, the guests are invited onto floor for a
short dance lesson where you learn the basic 8 step - the
foundation walk of the dance. In my humble opinion, We Are
Tango is a unique and authentic introduction to tango and the
perfect stepping stone to attending a true local Milonga.
The Tango is sexy, it's heart-breakingly sad and is built on
contradiction... the perfect dance to sum up a city as abused and
resplendent as Buenos Aires.