Re: Cultural Influence on Styles of Tango

[Stephen Brown <Stephen.P.Brown @DAL.FRB.ORG>]

Dan wrote:

>Close embrace may be affected by cultural, psychological, and temperment
>but certainly not strongly contrasted between the US and Argentina.

The word "strongly" makes these comments difficult to interpret...  Despite
a sincere desire on the part of most Americans to dance tango
authentically, our approach differs from that of the Argentines.  Most of
us have to learn the rhythm.  In addition, dancing on the body has a
different meaning in our culture because we are less oriented toward
cuddling with acquaintances.

In many US cities, the culture is such that people are less selective about
their partners.  The women compensate by assuming a more distant embrace.
If a man proves his dance skills, the woman may or may not pull herself
into a tight embrace....  The less selective approach to choosing partners
means less practice in dancing in a close embrace.

I recognize that I am writing in generalizations that can be picked apart
in the details, but I think culture does affect the choice of dance styles.
I do not completely accept the notion that theatrically flavored tango
continues to be danced in some US communities strictly out of ignorance...
It must also be shaped by local tastes.

With best regards,
Steve

Stephen Brown
Tango Argentino de Tejas
http://www.tejastango.com/