Tango

What Is Tango?

Tango originated in the working-class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the late nineteenth century, blending influences from African candombe, European polka and Cuban habanera into a uniquely expressive partner dance.

Argentine tango is a social dance characterised by close embrace, improvised movement, subtle lead-follow communication and deep musical interpretation. Ballroom tango is a formalised competition style with a more theatrical, stilted character distinct from its Argentine roots.

Tango nuevo and stage tango are further contemporary developments that incorporate more open choreography and theatrical elements into the dance.

Learning Tango in London

London has a rich tango scene with dedicated milongas (tango social dance events) running weekly across the city. The Argentine tango community in particular is large and internationally connected, with regular visiting teachers and performances from Argentina.

Both Argentine and ballroom tango are widely taught in London, making the city one of Europe's most important tango destinations outside of Buenos Aires.

Tango classes in London range from beginner introductions to workshops with visiting masters. Argentine tango schools typically teach the embrace, walking quality and improvised connection that define social tango.

Ballroom tango is taught within the standard competitive curriculum at ballroom studios, with a more structured approach to figures and choreography.