About Argentine Tango
Argentine tango is a long-established cultural art form that is often misrepresented solely as a dance, and a dance of exaggerated sensuality and drama.
Under the surface of the mainstream representation of tango lies a rich cultural heritage that is recognised and protected by UNESCO.
So what is it and where is it in the UK?
Argentine Tango - What Is It?
Tango started as a music genre in the late 19th century on both sides of the Rio de la Plata in Argentina (principally Buenos Aires) and in Uruguay (principally Montevideo). It was music of the people, a popular folk style, and of course they began to dance (as people do).
With the music came poetry in song form, adding emotions from frivolity to nostalgia, and with the dance came social practices of respect and community cohesion. Over the following century, traditions formed leaving us today with a unique cultural heritage that has spread across the world – and yet remains little known to the wider public.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has listed tango as an ‘Intangible Heritage’ to be protected, preserved, and promoted. UNESCO recognises that tango includes: music, dance, poetry, singing, performances, social practices, handcrafts and other creative arts, together with oral expressions and language.
Argentine Tango - Where can I find it in the UK?
Find out more by browsing all through this website, but a starting point may be the following pages
