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The Meaning Of Tango: The captivating story of the Argentinian dance – a history of politics and passion
From the backstreets of Buenos Aires to Parisian high society, this is the extraordinary story of the dance that captivated the world - a tale of politics and passion, immigration and romance. The Tango was the cornerstone of Argentine culture, and has lasted for more than a hundred years, popular today in America, Japan and Europe. 'The Meaning of Tango' traces the roots of this captivating dance, from it's birth in the poverty stricken Buenos Aires, the craze of the early 20th century, right up until it's revival today, thanks to shows such as Strictly Come Dancing. This book offers history, knowledge, teachings and in-sights which makes it valuable for beginners, yet its in-depth analysis makes it essential for experienced dancers. It is an elegant and cohesive critique of the fascinating tale of the Tango, which not only documents its culture and politics, but is also technically useful.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
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196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 9, 2022
A beautiful history of the Argentinian tango, the poetic meanings behind each step, and its sociocultural significance. The author grounds the dance's history in early twentieth century Buenos Aires, where a flood of young immigrant men learned to dance to gain the attention of comparatively few women. These conditions shaped the postures and intentions of the dance.
"Tango evolved in a society where loneliness and isolation were the norm, where many people were forced to live on their own, and where attention and true intimacy were rare and precious. Naturally, then, Tango dancers chose the most intimate, personal, and perhaps even emotionally challenging position possible in which to dance. Tango dancers of the Golden Age danced with the shoulders parallel, and the centres of their bodies aligned. They danced heart to heart."
Maintaining this close embrace is prioritized above other technical considerations. Should the follow move in a way which the lead did not initiate, or the lead choose steps which would be uncomfortable for the follow, this would violate the partner's trust and respect, would "destroy the relationship between the two hearts" and thus "the whole meaning of the dance was lost". The two must move together as one.
In order to let the lead truly lead, a follow must "abandon the left-brain activity that normally keeps us safe" and entrust their safety to the lead. The follow must relinquish control and enter an "active meditative state" wherein the follow is fully focused on the lead: "the follower had to be able to trust the leader completely, and the leader needed constantly to deserve that trust." In turn, the lead was entrusted to choose movements that will be pleasant for the follower, express the music fully, look aesthetically pleasing, and make use of available space on the dance floor.
"The principle that one receives most pleasure by abandoning thoughts of one's own pleasure, and concentrating on giving pleasure to one's partner instead, is one that is familiar to students of Yogic and Taoist theories of relationships. With no apparent knowledge of these ancient spiritual traditions, Tango dancers discovered in the practicas and milongas of Buenos Aires that the best dance came not from focusing on one's own dancing pleasure, but from abandoning oneself into one's partner."
If you dance Tango or simply appreciate the dance, you will enjoy this short, sweet read. Denniston provides a nuanced understanding of many familiar sequences and dance traditions. Highly recommend!
"[Tango] offers an investigation of the nature of relationships, of the meaning of intimacy, and of what it is to be human and a social creature in a world that is often lonely and isolating. The great choreographic possibilities of Tango spring from the intimate connection between the two people dancing it."
"Tango evolved in a society where loneliness and isolation were the norm, where many people were forced to live on their own, and where attention and true intimacy were rare and precious. Naturally, then, Tango dancers chose the most intimate, personal, and perhaps even emotionally challenging position possible in which to dance. Tango dancers of the Golden Age danced with the shoulders parallel, and the centres of their bodies aligned. They danced heart to heart."
Maintaining this close embrace is prioritized above other technical considerations. Should the follow move in a way which the lead did not initiate, or the lead choose steps which would be uncomfortable for the follow, this would violate the partner's trust and respect, would "destroy the relationship between the two hearts" and thus "the whole meaning of the dance was lost". The two must move together as one.
In order to let the lead truly lead, a follow must "abandon the left-brain activity that normally keeps us safe" and entrust their safety to the lead. The follow must relinquish control and enter an "active meditative state" wherein the follow is fully focused on the lead: "the follower had to be able to trust the leader completely, and the leader needed constantly to deserve that trust." In turn, the lead was entrusted to choose movements that will be pleasant for the follower, express the music fully, look aesthetically pleasing, and make use of available space on the dance floor.
"The principle that one receives most pleasure by abandoning thoughts of one's own pleasure, and concentrating on giving pleasure to one's partner instead, is one that is familiar to students of Yogic and Taoist theories of relationships. With no apparent knowledge of these ancient spiritual traditions, Tango dancers discovered in the practicas and milongas of Buenos Aires that the best dance came not from focusing on one's own dancing pleasure, but from abandoning oneself into one's partner."
If you dance Tango or simply appreciate the dance, you will enjoy this short, sweet read. Denniston provides a nuanced understanding of many familiar sequences and dance traditions. Highly recommend!
"[Tango] offers an investigation of the nature of relationships, of the meaning of intimacy, and of what it is to be human and a social creature in a world that is often lonely and isolating. The great choreographic possibilities of Tango spring from the intimate connection between the two people dancing it."
December 10, 2023
“A meditation performed by two who become one, united at the heart, seeking stillness through motion.”
From how it started, why it’s danced the way it’s danced, specific techniques, how politics and music at the time shaped it, this is a beautiful explanation of the meaning of Tango and the history of the dance, with a great emphasis on the Golden Age of Tango.
I already adore this very special dance and this book made me appreciate it even more.
From how it started, why it’s danced the way it’s danced, specific techniques, how politics and music at the time shaped it, this is a beautiful explanation of the meaning of Tango and the history of the dance, with a great emphasis on the Golden Age of Tango.
I already adore this very special dance and this book made me appreciate it even more.
November 20, 2018
Knjiga prilično obuhvata sve važne činjenice o argentinskom tangu, počev od nastanka, o razvoju plesa i muzike. Korisna tangerosima.
November 30, 2013
Well written narrative of how Golden Age tango may have been learnt, taught and danced. Parts I, II, IV, and V are very good especially the first two. Part III technique descriptions are confusing.
June 7, 2017
Absolutely wonderful! Can feel the spirit of beginnings in 18th century Argentina!
December 30, 2017
It has an interesting approach to viewing Tango Argentine through the lens of the Golden Era. Most of the texts works as a reference to the difference of the Golden Era.
The part explaining how to dance tango was for me basically useless, but I don't think it is that much the issue of the book as the issue of transferring the body and dance language via written text.
As for the history of the tango before the Golden Age I prefer the book In Stranger's Arms. The same is true for giving the feel to the atmosphere of Tango in Buenos Aires throughout the history. In general if you want to learn about tango and its culture read In Stranger's Arms: The Magic Of Tango
The part explaining how to dance tango was for me basically useless, but I don't think it is that much the issue of the book as the issue of transferring the body and dance language via written text.
As for the history of the tango before the Golden Age I prefer the book In Stranger's Arms. The same is true for giving the feel to the atmosphere of Tango in Buenos Aires throughout the history. In general if you want to learn about tango and its culture read In Stranger's Arms: The Magic Of Tango
August 5, 2019
Is this a comprehensive history? No. It doesn’t try to be. It is a beautiful description of one person’s understanding of the intention of tango. Having had the beginner’s ballet as a child, and ballroom at university, I could relate to the difference between tango and other dance forms. It has certainly helped me visualise what I need to do in my next lesson. Clearly, I’m not practising enough!
This was an outstanding insight into the political and social culture of tango.
This was an outstanding insight into the political and social culture of tango.
February 5, 2023
The book reignited my passion for tango, and led me straight to the dance floor after a long break. Whilst reading it, I was able to feel exactly the same emotion as if I was dancing tango. And that’s the best reflection of power the book has. Highly recommended. The part about technique I’d suggest skipping for individuals who have never danced before.
March 11, 2018
This is a very sturdy primer, complete with a very difficult to decipher set of diagrams attempting the impossible, tango steps for lead and follow.
The history of the tango is clear but not up to the mystique and romance of the dance and its place in an Argentinian's heart.
The history of the tango is clear but not up to the mystique and romance of the dance and its place in an Argentinian's heart.
August 13, 2020
A magical journey through time and space, as smooth as a charming tango dancer...
Also a practical guide for dancing tips and musical choices!
Also a practical guide for dancing tips and musical choices!
July 23, 2025
I’m grateful I read this. It made me yearn to be in another time and another place: the golden age of tango in Buenos Aires
August 31, 2024
non-fiction about Tango. I enjoyed the section which covered the history of Tango dance and I did learn some new information. but i did find it very bizarre that there was very little information on the dictatorship and its influence on the suppression of Tango. there was not even a short description of key information in this period. also, i really didn’t enjoy the sections which detailed descriptions of specific dance moves. as someone with very little dance knowledge, the whole section went over my head. equally i feel like the majority of readers would struggle to follow descriptions of difficult dance moves. there were only few mentions of how the traditional male-female partnerships are being subverted, which seemed unusual considering I have read a whole book on this topic. overall i would not recommend this as even those from a dance background would find the structure confusing and repetitive.
February 19, 2014
Vibrant and moving, this book takes us through Tango’s tangled history as well as what it means to the various people who dance it. For some, it’s about connecting for three minutes on the dance floor; for others, it’s a chance to show off their great moves. For still more, it’s about losing yourself for a brief moment in time while achieving absolute harmony.
The book also includes instructions and pictures about various different moves. The pictures are helpful as are the warnings about the placement of the feet and the circumstances under which you should try them (sharp kicks are not advisable on a crowded dance floor).
Ms. Denniston was lucky enough to find teachers who understood Tango, who taught her its basics and moved her beyond mere choreography. She dug deep into Tango’s history, tracing it back to its roots and debunking some of its more popular myths. The result is a story about heart, reaching others through music and movement and about the turbulent history of this elusive, soulful and spirited dance.
The book also includes instructions and pictures about various different moves. The pictures are helpful as are the warnings about the placement of the feet and the circumstances under which you should try them (sharp kicks are not advisable on a crowded dance floor).
Ms. Denniston was lucky enough to find teachers who understood Tango, who taught her its basics and moved her beyond mere choreography. She dug deep into Tango’s history, tracing it back to its roots and debunking some of its more popular myths. The result is a story about heart, reaching others through music and movement and about the turbulent history of this elusive, soulful and spirited dance.
October 7, 2015
Beautifully written with a loyal reverence for the Golden Age of Tango. It's nice to know the author is a skilled dancer herself, not just a historian.
I share the author's concern that we take care to conserve the knowledge and technique of that time--after all, the Golden Age generation is dying out and our generation has a responsibility to transmit their knowledge to the next. But it's clear she's not terribly thrilled with the variation and developments going on in today's Tango Renaissance. She does her best to sound diplomatic and accepting in describing it, but her preference for Old School is obvious, especially with her absurd claim that truly skilled tango dancers prefer to dance to only tango music; it's only the unskilled who will dance tango to non-tango music.
I share the author's concern that we take care to conserve the knowledge and technique of that time--after all, the Golden Age generation is dying out and our generation has a responsibility to transmit their knowledge to the next. But it's clear she's not terribly thrilled with the variation and developments going on in today's Tango Renaissance. She does her best to sound diplomatic and accepting in describing it, but her preference for Old School is obvious, especially with her absurd claim that truly skilled tango dancers prefer to dance to only tango music; it's only the unskilled who will dance tango to non-tango music.
April 14, 2011
If you love the tango, you'll love this book. It provided me with such inspiration and respect for the golden age of tango. It is also a useful guide for anyone looking to learn more about the basic steps and the differences between the Argentine Tango and regular ballroom dances.
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April 6, 2008UK: Tom Bromley
January 2, 2011
Perfect except for the dance graphs!
July 2, 2010
Possibly a little romaticizing, but fascinating nonetheless.
October 19, 2010
Excellent book about the history behind and the intention of tango.
May 16, 2013
I did enjoy this book, I thought it was sweet, I know kind of an odd thing to say about a book, but that's how I felt.
June 6, 2013
An excellent account of how to tango properly. Denniston is adept at explaining the movements and positioning required - a tough subject to wrote upon.
May 9, 2014
Very informative and just what I needed for research on Tango for a short story on vampires I was writing at the time.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews