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The Tango's Dance through History
Known as the dance of love and romance, tango
was created in African communities of Buenos Aires,
Argentina. From there, it hit Europe and the US and
___1___ popularity and complexity. Though it has
gone through
several declines
and revivals over the years, today tango is as
popular and alluring ___2___.
The word "tango" is said to ___3___ the Nigerian
language Ibibio word tamgu, which means "to dance." By
1911, "tango" was used in the US for any dance with a
2/4 (two-four) or 4/4 (four-four) ___4___, even if
it didn't include actual tango steps. However, true
tango was still being developed in Argentina as was the
music that goes ___5___ the dance. Its unique,
dramatic sound was
created over the years from American, European, and
African styles. It was often considered too ___6___ at the
time the dance first became popular. Yet, it
matched the
intimate moves of the dance well.
After millions of European immigrants came to
Argentina after the turn
of the century, tango spread ___7___. Many
of these immigrants brought the dance to Europe on their
return. In Argentina, tango had been enjoyed mostly by
people in the lower and working classes, but when it
reached Europe, its popularity changed its ___8___. The
first tango craze
was in Paris as Argentinean orchestras and dancers
traveled through Europe. By 1913, tango was ___9___ in
England as "the most graceful and beautiful dance."
The Great Depression caused a decline of tango in
Argentina, but it was ___10___
revived as a source of national pride.
Despite
its many ups and downs,
tango has survived as an art form and as one of Argentina's major cultural gifts to the world. |
