Argentine Tango Dance Classes in Dundee

Have you ever wondered why tango music sounds the way it does? Why some songs make you want to move fluidly while others make you want to bounce and play? Let's (shallow) dive into the story of tango music, starting from its humble beginnings to its golden age.

The Early Days: Streets and Port Cities (1880s-1900s)

Tango was born in the port cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, where different musical traditions collided. African rhythms (especially candombe), European immigrant music (Italian, German, and Eastern European), and local folk styles all mixed together in the working-class neighborhoods. The earliest tangos were played on whatever instruments were available - often a mix of flute, violin, and guitar.

From the Streets to the Salons (1900s-1920s)

As tango moved from the outskirts to the city centers, the bandoneón entered the scene. This German accordion-like instrument, created as a portable organ for small churhes, became tango's signature sound. It's funny how tango's most iconic instrument, was never meant to be a tango instrument at all.

The Golden Age (1935-1955)

This is when tango music really hit its stride! Big orchestras emerged, each with its own distinctive style. Think of them as different flavors of ice cream - all tango, but each with its unique taste:

Juan D'Arienzo: Known as "El Rey del Compás" (The King of Rhythm), his orchestra played energetic, rhythmic music that makes you want to move. Perfect for beginners because the beat is so clear!
Carlos Di Sarli: "El Señor del Tango" created elegant, clean, sophisticated music. His distinctive piano playing feels like walking on clouds.
Aníbal Troilo: "Pichuco" was known for his rich, romantic sound that perfectly balances rhythm and melody. It might feel confusing at first, but once you learn about the basics of musicality, you can enjoy. Don't let that discourage you - try listening to it from the beginning and you'll start recognizing some patterns over time.
Osvaldo Pugliese: "San Pugliese"! His music is beloved for its bold dynamics, with intense moments that inspire deep forward walks and slow, expressive pauses. Same as Troilo - you'll truly appreciate it a bit later, but definitely check it out!

There are many other important orchestras from this golden age that you'll hear at milongas - like Canaro, Rodriguez, Donato, Lomuto, OTV, Fresedo, Caló, Demare, D'Agostino, Tanturi, Laurenz, De Angelis, Firpo, De Caro, Malerba (and maybe more that we have missed). We'll explore their unique styles and contributions in the future, but for now, let's continue.

Understanding the Music

When you listen to tango music, you might notice these elements:

Rhythm (Compás): The heartbeat of tango. Some orchestras (like D'Arienzo) make it very clear, while others play with it more freely.
Melody: It's what you might find yourself humming later. It's what makes us recognise each song, and it's the key to dancing well (keep this in mind for later).
Phrasing: Think of it as musical sentences and paragraphs. Each phrase has a beginning, middle, and end - just like when you're speaking. Understanding these musical "sentences" helps you structure your dance.
Structure: Music is built with repeating parts, like a chorus in a pop song, including that signature melody that makes you say "I know this tango!" These parts usually follow patterns (like A-B-A-B-C), and once you start noticing them, you can anticipate what's coming next and you can dance without knowing the song by heart.

The Structure of a Tango Song

Most tangos follow this pattern:

Introduction
Main themes that repeat
Variations (more on these later)
A clear ending, specific to the orchestra

Why This Matters for Dancers

Tango music isn't just something playing in the background—it's what makes us move. Every step, pause, and turn comes from what we hear in the music.

Here's something surprising: having these "rules" of music actually makes you more creative, not less. It's like knowing the vocabulary of a language - once you understand the words, you can create your own sentences. The music gives you a framework that sparks creativity, rather than limiting it.

Understanding different orchestras is like having a toolkit for your dance. When you recognize an orchestra's distinct style, you can match your dance to the music's character. It helps you decide everything - from who to dance with, to what movements will feel right, to how to interpret each moment.

Getting Started with Tango Music

Listen to tango music outside of dance classes and milongas. When you're dancing, your mind is busy with steps, technique, and connecting with your partner. But when you listen at home or while commuting, you can focus purely on the music and discover details you might have missed on the dance floor.
Practice weight changes to the rhythm and solo walking. Start with Canaro, Rodriguez, Donato, Lomuto, OTV. But don't limit yourself to these, make sure you expose yourself to everything early on - it will make a huge difference.
Pay attention to which orchestras you enjoy most.
Don't worry if you don't "get it" right away - understanding tango music could take time.

Remember, every experienced tango dancer started exactly where you are. As you dance more, you'll develop your own relationship with the music, and that's when tango becomes truly magical!

Whether you're just starting your tango journey or have been dancing for a while, understanding the music adds a whole new dimension to your dance. So next time you're at a milonga, see if you can identify which orchestra is playing - it's all part of the fun!

Want to know more?

Check out our YouTube Playlist that features some videos on the history of tango (created by others)

If you have resources on this topic that might be helpful for beginners, please contact us at dance@dundeeargentinetango.co.uk