Welcome to the Malta Argentine Tango Association!
Join us in the most passionate dance on the planet!
Ok so we all dance or are still trying to master the art of dancing Argentine Tango but we often asked the question, where did it all start from? How? Why? So we had a little look into it and this is what we would like to share with you. Yes, some Tango History!!!
For a start, stop thinking that Tango has a sophisticated beginning - far from it, Tango originated in the lower class districts of the melting pots called Buenos Aires and Montevideo some 150 year ago and it is a dance that has influences from both European and the African culture. Dances from the candombe ceremonies of former slave people helped shape the modern day Tango. Men used to dance with other men and prostitutes. The music derived from a fusion of various forms of music from Europe. The word "tango" seems to have first been used in connection with the dance in the 1890s. Initially it was just one of the many dances, but it soon became popular throughout society, as theatres and street barrel organs spread it from the suburbs to the working-class slums, which were packed with hundreds of thousands of European immigrants, primarily Italians, Spanish and French.
In the early years of the 20th century, dancers and orchestras from Buenos Aires travelled to far off lands such as London and Berlin and other capital cities and spread the dance and music. By 1911 the word "tango" was often applied to dances in a 2/4 or 4/4 rhythm such as the one-step and the term became fashionable even in New York. Other versions of Tango developed either at the same time or over the years. A faster party version called `Milonga` appeared as neighborhoods grew. This name also given to the social gatherings at which people came together for the purpose of dancing.
Then 'Milonguero' became the name for a Milonga dancer. A waltz version, `Vals`, was developed when Tango went to Europe. All in all, Tango, Milonga and Vals, along with the many variations of each, and all using the same method of leading improvised moves, came to be as various conditions, moves and fashions called for them. After a decline in popularity in Argentina during the great depression in 1930, it re-emerged with a matter of national pride under the government of Juan Peron. Tango declined again in the 1950's with the economic depression and the military dictatorships banned public gatherings. The popularity of rock and roll didn't help either.
Today its popularity is seen all over the world and it is the fastest growing dance worldwide. Tango can be danced almost too fast to see, or the slowest of slow, with a total stop, at times. It is fervently danced from the youngest to the oldest. It can be danced anywhere and on any surface and to basically any music. It is truly universal. Argentine Tango is very special and it is completely different to the International Ballroom Tango or any other competitive or memorized versions. When you learn to dance Argentine Tango, you are set apart. It's fun, spontaneous and passionate. It's an art that embodies two persons dancing like no other dance.
The Malta Argentine Tango Association was set up in 2010 to promote this creative dance on a national level and enhance the ever growing local Tango community. The association holds weekly Practica Assistida and Milongas at the five star Hotel Phoenicia in Floriana. Shared Knowledge Sessions are also held regularly for people who want to start getting to learn this incredible dance and for those who simply want to continue practicing and meliorating their dance vocabulary. Twice a year the Association invites International Maestros who teach the local community through interesting and much sought after workshops. The Association also participates at local events which are organised from time to time by Government or local councils. If you are not a member of the Association yet, this is the time to speak to one of our committee members, join and enjoy a serious of benefits.