Tango dance is one the most popular partner dances that emphasize the vibrant and playful style of movement, rich expressions, improvisation and requires close connection and passion between dancers. However, it is still unclear how each Tango style differentiates from the other. This article will shed some light on the main differences between Argentine and Ballroom Tango.
What is the difference between Argentine Tango and Ballroom Tango? In Argentine Tango, the dancers’ chests are closer to each other than their hips, and there is contact at the chest level. On the contrary, in Ballroom Tango, partners arch their upper bodies away from each other while maintaining contact at the hip in a balanced frame.
Ballroom Tango is more disciplined, whereas Argentine Tango is more improvised. Ballroom tango has rules such as timing, position, steps, and foot placement and is limited to those rules.
Both partners know what next steps are coming up as it is very repetitive, and all steps must be done in order.
Argentine Tango is a more free form where dance partners can mix their steps and improvise.
There are no rules, so the lead dancer must be able to formulate various moves on the spot for the follower to be able to follow.
What Is Ballroom Tango
Ballroom Tango is a dance style from Argentine roots but influenced by Hollywood, European, and American styles.
There are two Ballroom Tango styles:
- American Tango Style
- International Tango Style
Both styles are danced in the closed position. Still, the American style allows partners to separate from the closed position to perform open moves such as dancing apart, underarm turns, alternate handholds, and side-by-side moves.
American Tango was influenced by Hollywood. The dance was significantly swayed from the traditional Tango with the inclusion of social dance techniques, as well as typical Hollywood style. American Tango is very relaxed compared to other Tango styles and can be danced in a closed or open position.
American Tango is also sensual but in a much different way than Argentine Tango. This dance is more of a story about romance or battle for control of a relationship rather than an inside look at a couple on an intimate date.
The International Tango style was influenced by Europe, more specifically Britain. The Britain culture was infused in Tango, which resulted in a new Tango style, called International Tango. This Tango style was originally called English Tango style but was changed to the International Tango style once it became part of the International competitions.
In International Tango, partners never break the frame apart, which puts an emphasis on the skill of both partners moving as one body to the music.
Although American and International Tango styles have many similarities, the International style is more disciplined.
What Is Argentine Tango
Argentine Tango is strictly a partner dance originating from Rio de la Plata, between Argentina and Uruguay.
Argentine Tango is the most famous Tango style. Argentine Tango is a music and dance style that originated in the 19th century in Montevideo and Buenos Aires.
Argentine Tango music has a 2/2 or 4/4 rhythmic time signature. Traditionally, Argentine Tango has been danced strictly to Tango music. However, many dancers started dancing the Tango to alternative genres such as electro-tango, blues, experimental rock”, and others in recent years.
Argentine Tango can be danced in an open position where the leader and follower connect at arm’s length. Also, it can be danced in a closed position where the leader and follower connect chest to chest.
Essentially, Tango dancers drag their feet on the floor while mirroring each other. Tango dance is a very technical dance style, and you must follow specific steps and patterns to dance correctly and adequately in Tango dance.
There needs to be clear communication between dance partners because Argentine Tango is entirely improvised.
Argentine Tango is danced counterclockwise around the outside of the dance floor, and dancing in the middle of the dance floor generally is not acceptable. Occasionally, you can see beginners dancing in the middle of the dance floor because they lack navigation skills.
Here is an excellent example of Argentine Tango.
All Other Argentine Tango Style
There are 8 Argentine Tango styles:
- Tango canyengue
Tango canyyengue is a rhythmic Tango style that originates from the 1900s and is still very popular nowadays. In this Tango canyengue style, partners dance in a closed position with the legs relaxed and slightly bent. The word canyengue means “melting with the music.”
- Tango orillero
Tango orillero was developed in remote and suburban areas in Argentine. Tango orillero is danced in an upright position and uses various movements such as fast foot moves, kicks, and even some acrobatics.
- Tango salon
Tango salon is a mix of various Tango styles and is called this way because it was danced socially in salons back in 1952. Tango salon is known for its slow, smooth, and measured moves while respecting the space of other dancers on the dance floor.
- Tango fantasía
Tango fantasia was called this way because dancers performed fantasies- fast footwork and little sits.
- Tango traditional
Tango Traditional is an early form of Tango that can be danced with rhythm or melody and is not limited only to the beat.
- Estilo milonguero
Estilo milonguero is a close embrace Tango style and is perfect for a crowded dance floor. Estilo milonguero is danced chest-to-chest, back straight, knees relaxed, with the partners leaning slightly toward each other to allow space for the feet to move. It is generally not recommended for a leader to dance milonguero style with a follower that is too tall for the leader to see over the follower’s shoulder since it would be very difficult to navigate around the dance floor.
- Tango nuevo
Tango nuevo is a movement, not a dance style, but many people still think it is a Tango style. Tango nuevo means evolving of Tango dancing.
- Show tango
Show Tango is a theatrical form of Argentine Tango developed to suit the stage. Show Tango includes actual stage performances such as acrobatics, solo moves, and embellishments that would not be practical for regular dancing.
Should I Learn Argentine Or Ballroom Tango?
Both dance styles are beautiful and unique in their own ways. I prefer Argentine Tango better because it is more expressive, sensual, and intimate, and there are no rules while dancing. Every dance is a new experience.
There are lots of complex foot and upper body moves, including the head positions, where both partners are very close together.
Final Words
Argentine and Ballroom Tango are two very different forms of dance styles. Ballroom tango has a very enunciated, well-known, and steady tempo. Argentine Tango is improvised, and Ballroom tango has an eight-count basic. I hope that this article has helped you understand the main differences between Argentine and Ballroom Tango.
Happy Dancing!
