The Tango

Tango is one of the most fascinating dances. It is thought that the Tango developed in the barrios of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The gauchos of Argentina would invite the local women or prostitutes to dance with them. Most often the gauchos did not shower so the woman would dance in the crook of the man's arm with her head back to avoid his smell.

Her right hand would be on his left hip near his pocket as she tried to extract payment for dancing with him.

The dance was brought back to Europe in the early 1900's and to New York around 1910. The famous actor Rudolph Valentino helped to popularize the dance in 1921.

As the dance became more subdued in became more acceptable.

It is thought that the Tango tells the story of flirtation between a man and woman.

Today the Tango is a dramatic dance and a staple of every ballroom studio and competition.