Introduction
Various forms of dance often reflect some elements of culture developed within a particular region or a country. This paper is aimed at examining the way in which gender roles are expressed in tango which can be regarded as a truly multicultural dance. It should be borne in mind that this dance was created by people who represented various cultures. For example, they could come from Europe and Africa; moreover, they could represent the indigenous population of South America. Moreover with time passing, tango became popular in various regions of the world.
Overall, this dance illustrates some of the gender norms adopted in Latin America. To some degree, it lays stress on the idea that males play a leading role while females usually act as followers.
To some degree, this division reflects the cultural phenomenon known as machismo which implies that males should display the signs of strength and sense of control. However, one should not assume that the role of women in tango is inferior because they create the most aesthetic aspects of this dance. These are the main arguments that can be put forward because they are important for understanding the cultural aspects of this dance.
The history of tango
Tango originated in Argentina and Uruguay in the second half of the nineteenth century. Nevertheless, it became popular only at the beginning of the twentieth century. At that time, this dance became popular in Europe and North America as well. The origins of this dance can be traced back to Buenos Aires which drew people coming from Italy, Germany, Poland, and Ireland (Rasche 4). These people represented various social and cultural groups; to some degree, dances such as tango could facilitate their communication. Overall, tango was very popular in the urbanized areas of Argentina, in which people could feel more isolated.
Additionally, tango incorporated the elements of dances which were originally developed in Spain, Cuba, and Africa. This is one of the points that can be made. As a rule, these immigrants went to the salons which were called milongas. Such places played a critical role in the history of this dance. One should keep in mind that tango underwent various modifications when it was adopted in other countries. This paper will focus mostly on the Latin American form of this dance because it was the basis for later variants which emerged later.
The social elements of this dance
When speaking about the social components of this dance, one should mention that tango dancers have to recognize and follow certain rules. For example, in many cases, males and females visiting the milongas have to sit in different parts of the hall (Luongo 110). Additionally, if couples want to dance tango with people who are not familiar to them, they are expected to enter milongas separately (Luongo 110). Apart from that, it is important to avoid eye contact with people of the opposite sex, especially if visitors do not want to invite each other for a dance (Luongo 110).
Overall, these rules lay stress on the reverence for a woman. In turn, a man, who violates these norms, can be excluded from a milonga. Moreover, he can be neglected by female dancers. Apart from that, the dancers should follow a certain dress code. Certainly, this code is not always enforced, but one should adhere to a more formal style of clothing in order to be accepted by other people. Thus, social elements play a very important role in the culture of tango since they significantly influence the behavior of many people.
Movements of this dance
The movements of tango can vary dramatically; in this case, much depends on the degree of familiarity between partners. They can choose between open and close embraces. Close embrace means that partners dance chest to chest. This approach can be compared to the display of intimacy (Manning 88). In turn, open embrace means that the dancers hold each other’s hands, but there is some distance between them (Manning 88). This is one of the differences that should be taken into account. Yet, sometimes, dancers can alternate close and open embraces (Manning 88).
Traditionally, the dance starts with a female’s nod which means that she accepts the offer. In turn, the choice of movements depends on the degree of familiarity between the partners (Manning 88). If they know each other very well, a male partner can perform a boleo which is also called a whip.
It is achieved by changing the direction; as a result, the follower’s leg is thrown up. There are many other movements that can be performance by dancers; for example, one can mention sweeps or dissociations. On the whole, it is possible to argue that tango is a very complex dance that requires a very high degree of coordination and physical fitness. Moreover, the partners should practice for a long time. These are the main technical characteristics that can be singled out.
Gender distinctions included in tango
One should also keep in mind that the roles of dancers are usually gendered. As a rule, a male plays the role of a leader. In other words, he should initiate and control various movements (Goff and Dunn 196). In turn, a woman should respond to his directions (Goff and Dunn 196). In this context, the terms leadership and following cannot be compared to inferiority and superiority. More likely, they are used to shapes the progress of a dance. To some degree, this division reflects the gender norms adopted in Argentina as well as other parts of Latin America.
Nevertheless, one should bear in mind that tango is possible if two partners completely trust one another. Moreover, the follower should fully understand and anticipate the steps taken by the leader. As a rule, the movements of the leader are very minimalistic, while followers perform sweeps, turns, and other move that can be very complex,
To a great extent, the gendered structure of tango is influenced by the culture of machismo (Klein 140). This word is used to describe a system of norms according to which males should produce the impression of strength and control (Klein 140).
This vision of males was adopted by many people who came to Argentina and other Latin American countries, even though they could represent different cultures (Klein 140). This is one of the aspects that should be taken into account. Nevertheless, one should bear in mind the roles of genders are often contested and negotiated in Latin American countries, including Argentina. In this case, one should speak about culture which emerged at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
Moreover, it is possible to say that the movements performed by female dancers create the very beauty of tango. Without them, the aesthetic value of tango can diminish significantly. Therefore, their role cannot be underestimated. This is one of the details that should be taken into account while discussing the gender aspects of tango.
Admittedly, the gender roles in dance may be different; this argument is particularly relevant if one speaks about the later forms of this dance which emerged in Europe and the United States. This style is often called gender-neutral tango. Nevertheless, Argentinean style still remains the most widespread form of this dance. Moreover, it has profoundly shaped the international forms of tango. This is why this particular variant has been discussed in this paper. Additionally, the key task was to focus on the Latin American cultural environment.
Conclusion
On the whole, this discussion indicates that dances can indeed reflect some of the cultural norms established in the community. To some degree, tango throws light on the relations between men and women in many Latin American societies. In this case, one should mention that males are supposed to play the role of leaders, while women are usually expected to follow their directions.
Nevertheless, one should not discuss the roles of genders in terms of superiority or inferiority. Although women act as followers, they play a vital role in creating the aesthetic value of tango. This is one of the pitfalls that should be avoided. Certainly, such behavioral patterns can always be observed in the modern Latin America. Moreover, tango primarily reflects the gender norms established in Argentina and Uruguay more than a century ago. These are the main details that should be considered.
Works Cited
Goff, Patricia and Kenvin Dunn. Identity and Global Politics: Theoretical and Empirical Elaborations, New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004. Print.
Klein, Gabriele. Tango in Translation, New York: Verlag, 2009. Print.
Luongo, Michael. Frommer’s Buenos Aires, New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2011. Print.
Manning, Erin. Politics of Touch: Sense, Movement, Sovereignty. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2007. Print.
Rasche, Thomas. Argentine Tango – Class Companion: the Guide for Students of Argentine Tango. New York: Lulu, 2007. Print.