Amazing Facts About Argentine Tango: From Origins to Taboos

The tango was first performed during a show in Buenos Aires in 1897. This is considered the official version of the dance's origin, but rumors suggest that Argentine tango started in a brothel, where men competed for a woman's attention. In those days, only men danced, gathering in a ring as a sort of game.

According to the rules, the winner was the one who stepped on others' feet the most. This was a measure of agility and quick reflexes. Then, women would choose a partner from among the men, and that's how partner Argentine tango began to spread.

In translation from the Nigerian language, "tango" means "dance to the sound of drums." Argentine tango combines African motifs, Polish mazurka, and ritual dances.

Argentine tango is unique in its content: the dance seethes with passion, based on a wide range of emotions and love intrigues—passion, love, hatred, aggression, suffering, and many other human feelings. It is the hottest dance of all time, attracting the most active and cheerful people.

In almost all dances, communication between partners—eye contact or at least an invitation to dance—is allowed. Curiously, in Argentine tango, such gestures are considered an insult. Eye contact is even forbidden! Only a slight nod or a shy movement of the lips is permitted.

Another interesting fact is that tango is an improvisational dance. Can you imagine improvising without communicating or making eye contact? The connection between partners happens on a subconscious level; they feel each other's energy, allowing them to create unique improvisations.

The most unusual fact about Argentine tango went down in world history under the name "tangomania." During World War I, the tango boom didn't subside; on the contrary, it spread to London and New York. In Paris, even smoking salons opened with the telling name "tango." This style became so popular that it took over nearly every industry, even creating a tango logo. There were tango drinks, shoes, cafes, and even cigarettes!

Tango even has its own red-letter day on the calendar: on September 30, 2009, it was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Tango Day is celebrated on December 11 in honor of Carlos Gardel's birthday—he is considered the creator of this passionate dance.

Tango championships are even held, and at one such event, the best couple from Russia were Dmitry Vasin and Taisiya Fenenkova.

It would seem tango has won the hearts of the entire planet, attracting viewers and dancers to the fiery dance. But not everyone was friendly to its growing popularity. For example, the Austrian emperor forbade soldiers in uniform from dancing it, and the English queen refused to dance "it."

And perhaps the most surprising fact: partners don't recognize each other when they accidentally meet on the street. Since in tango it's not allowed to look at each other or talk, partners imagine what the person they are dancing with looks like. Most often, this image doesn't match the real person standing before them. The mask that performers put on is very realistic, helping your partner see you from a different perspective.

Argentine tango is a unique dance that touches the hearts of millions. Intrigue always swirls around this dance because it leaves even the calmest people indifferent.