The history of Tango is fascinating and is close connected with the history of Buenos Aires. Tango is almost a religion in Argentina, and its presence can be felt everywhere you go in this country.

The immigrants who arrived here in Buenos Aires in 1880 from all over Europe (Spain, Poland, Germany, Italy etc.) were often single men on their search for prosperity or at least social success. For the same reason, many South American farmers came too.

All these people lived in slums and on the outskirts of town, very isolated from the rich. In these places the Tango was born in an atmosphere of insuperable cultural differences, unemployment and nostalgia. The immigrants had no choice than to become criminals, to forget their misery in the brothels, in game halls and in the music. Therefore, the cradle of the tango lies in the suburbs.

The tango is the „sad thought which can be expressed by dance“ a slightly dingy but elegant dance, where the machos had the opportunity (often the only one) to come very close to a woman. Tang combines Creole, Spanish and African Elements , the last one because of the very important black African number of inhabitants in Buenos Aires.

The acordion, is a musical instrument, which was developed by the German music teacher Heinrich Band. This is the soul of the Tango. Nowadays consists a typical tango orchestra of 2 acordions, 2 violins, a piano and a double bass.

Only when the tango became popular in Paris, it also became popular among the Argentine upper class. Carlos Gardel, who originates from the south of France and who immigrated with his family to Buenos Aires, was the first and until now, most important star of the Argentine Tango dance.

After the second world war, tango was more and more mixed with new style elements. On the contrary to the European countries, only a few of the young Argentinians were interested in this dance, though, it came within the last few years into fashion again. It is advisable, if in Argentina, to check out one of the tango shows, which are taking place all over the country.