When talking about tango, many people mean ballroom dance, which partners rehearse beforehand and then demonstrate in performances. However, Argentine tango differs in many ways from ballroom. It could even be said that there are far more differences than similarities between the two dances.
The most important difference between the Argentine tango from the ballroom is that it implies constant, every second improvisation. You can think of a dance as a mosaic made up of many small details. Partners collect it, creating a unique dance-pattern. They combine walks, turns, stops, and add decorations to tango. Of course, there are certain rules that should be adhered to during the dance, but they do not in any way restrain the partners' imagination.
It is interesting that the opportunity to create something unique every time, improvise, present surprises to the partner and receive them in return during the dance attracts many people so much that they begin to devote a lot of time to Argentine tango, dreaming of becoming professionals.
Over time, dancers even get used to transferring the art of improvisation into everyday life: it becomes much easier for them to conduct business negotiations, communicate with “difficult” clients, choose the right tone in conversation with friends and loved ones, quickly, and most importantly, react correctly to the words and actions of other people … This is partly where the unique beauty of Argentine tango lies.
The differences between this dance and ballroom tango, to which many people are already accustomed, are enormous. That is why if you have studied ballroom tango and even performed, you will have to perceive Argentine tango lessons as something completely new, and not as an addition to what you already know. The difference between Argentinean and ballroom tango becomes noticeable already when teaching the basics: the music, steps, movements, the nature of the hugs in these dances are different. If you often watch the performances of dancers on TV, then, comparing them with the dance of teachers in the lesson, you will immediately notice the difference.
It is also worth mentioning the stage version of the Argentine tango. It is more common than the classic version, as it is used during performances that anyone can admire.
Firstly, stage dance is usually composed and rehearsed in advance, so the element of improvisation in it is very weak. Still, we are talking about a prepared performance, which should pleasantly surprise the audience. Secondly, the movements in such a dance are exaggerated and too pronounced. This is due to the fact that even people sitting far from the stage should easily catch the essence of the dance and see the steps well. Stage tango is always theatrical, whereas in classical Argentinean this feature is not.
