Types of Tango - Discover 5 ways to dance Tango that you didn't know before

Tango is a style that is highly improvised, personal and impulsive. For these reasons, it has quickly evolved and from traditional tango there have arisen multiple styles of tango practiced worldwide.

One of the characteristics that determines each style of tango is how it is danced, taking into account the movements, tempos, speed, and posture in the embrace. But, first of all, if you still don't dance it and don't know where to start, here are some tips to start dancing from zero.

Did you know that there were different styles of tango?

Well yes and now I will show you with videos of examples of the 5 styles of tango: the Canyegue, the Milonguero, the Tango de Salón, Tango Nuevo, and the Tango de Fantasía.

Let's go over there!

Fuente Pinterest

Tango Canyegue

This style of tango is also known as Tango Orillero. This style of tango is the oldest of the styles and was danced in the neighborhoods at the beginning of the 20th century.

It is characterized by being danced in a V-shaped position, a closed position and without using the "crossover". The steps are short and the knees are kept bent.

The position of the couple, i.e. man and woman, goes inwards.

It is characterized by its ornaments and well elaborated figures at the time of dancing. We could define it as a playful, expressive and musical tango.

Jeremías and Mariela at El Rulo Milonga, Miami FL

Tango Milonguero

This style of tango is characterized by the "stacked" posture. This type of position implies that the upper part of the body is in constant contact with the partner's body. The position of the couples does not change even if they make "eights" or "turns". One of the most outstanding and attractive features of this style is the balance.

Did you know that the musical rhythm of the milonguero is much faster the rest of the tango styles?

Now you know, if you like faster dance styles, milonguero is the best tango for you.

The music of this style of tango is prominent from Juan d'Arienzo and Rodolfo Biagi and also with the play of many other tango orchestras.

Tango Milonguero Show by the dancers Ned Sabi y Katarina Planinc, Eslovenia.

Ballroom Tango

This style of dance is social in character, which means that it is one of the least dramatic of all the styles.

Are you the kind of guy who likes to improvise by dancing? If this is the case, this is the most suitable style of tango for you, as it requires a good dose of improvisation to dance it. In addition, it combines a variety of social dance styles, such as Villa Urquiza, milonguero and club-style tangos that are danced in the salons and not for exhibitions (such as fantasy tango or stage tango).

It is very important to respect the line of the dance but there is more variety in the type of hug and movements. This allows for a greater distance between the dancers and allows the woman to run the laps more freely.

If you are one of the dancers who loves to spin freely, ballroom tango is the best style for you.

Final in the Argentine Salon Tango Competition in the United States, 2013.

The New Tango or Tango Nuevo

Tango Nuevo is the most flexible style of tango. This tango is a fusion of different styles of tango music, and that is why it incorporates elements of other dances, such as Swing and Salsa.

Do you like to combine different steps in the dance?

If it is the case, don't hesitate to try the Tango Nuevo to be able to contribute your Swing and Salsa steps, together with those of the Tango!

Unlike other styles of tango, Tango Nuevo is danced with great fluidity in its movements and figures. There are not so many drastic cuts as it is danced with continuity of movement.

This style of tango expresses a lot of drama, both musically and choreographically. The dancers interpret different elements of intense character.

Fantasy Tango or Show Tango

This style of tango is what we know as the stage tango. It can be found in exhibitions, competitions and shows. Generally, this style of tango is danced with a mixture of various rhythms and dances of other common genres.

Did you know that this tango is danced with the purpose of presenting it to the public and exhibiting it?

This implies a lot of preparation, practice and perseverance on the part of the dancers. For this reason, it is a tango that goes beyond the enjoyment of music and dance. The artists maintain a bond of commitment with themselves, as Fantasy Tango dancers, and with their future viewers.

Tango Show of Fantasy by Matteo and Ludovica Antonietti at the Tango Argentino World Championship 2012

THE MOST OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS OF EACH STYLE OF TANGO

Below we have designed a summary table of the most outstanding characteristics of these 5 styles of tango:

We hope this summary will help you identify the best style for you!

Probably after knowing that there are different variations of tango, choosing one of them may seem more difficult.

However, as with any other musical style, the most important thing is the musical connection and with your partner.

After having discovered the different styles of tango...

what's yours?

That's why, if you are already a tango lover musically speaking, the second step is to jump on the floor and dance to it. We recommend you sign up for a tango school, learn the basic steps and let yourself go, and later on, choose the style that best suits your way of performing and dancing it.

Dancing for pleasure is not the same as dancing for show purposes. Dance a tango faster or slower. To be able to add a touch of more or less intensity or drama. In the end it will always depend on the type of song that is played.

Share your tango dancing experience with us.

If you have tried any of these styles of tango we would like to know your opinion.