World Tango Festival - Buenos Aires, Argentina

As the poet Luis Alposta once said “Tango is, essentially, an art of synthesis.” From its earliest days as an alehouse dance among the poor dock workers of Buenos Aires, the tango has symbolized the raw, steaming, erotic tension that passes between man and woman, no matter what era, social class or religion. This is the original dirty dance; because it is an original, it is far more adult, complex and sophisticated than the simple-minded “shake-your-booty” stuff that gets strutted at the local disco.

From 10th to 17th of October delve deep, down into Buenos Aires where the rhythms of tango take over the streets for a seven day fiesta of heart racing music, sensual dancing tango couples, valses and milongas long into the night. Everyone who’s anyone in the world of tango performs for the loving public, many free dancing displays featuring world renowned artists are held at venues all over the city and the best orchestras from Buenos Aires will be offering their live music.

The Argentinean ministry of culture organises this extravagant party, in the birth city of this musical phenomena. For those who want to join in, there are tango classes for beginners and masterclasses for the more experienced dancers, all for free.

 Classes available at all levels and styles, taught by the most renowned Tango Teachers throughout the Festival.

 Master Classes taught by outstanding world-class Tango figures.

 Special Classes for Tango Teachers from all over the world: Methods and Dancing Technique, New Approaches to the Teacher-Student relationship, Pedagogic Criteria and Historical and Theoretical Tango Background, among other topics.

 7 Milonga Nights. When the first stars begin to shine in Buenos Aires, the “Milongas” ignite, as if by magic, in the different “Porteños” neighbourhoods.

The music of Tango bursts and, with the piano beat and the bandoneón sob, the passion and sensuality of this dance, equal to none, shines in all its splendor.

Night after night, in Boedo, La Boca, San Telmo, Almagro, Flores, Barracas, Nuñez, Palermo, Monserrat, Belgrano, Villa Urquiza, Congreso and many other neighbourhoods, thousand of Tango lovers attend the most traditional ballrooms in Buenos Aires, creating a colourful and gorgeous setting.

 2 spectacular Opening and Closing Night Shows with performances of the Masters and the best live orchestras of the III WORLD TANGO FESTIVAL.

 “The Milongueros’ Night”. A tribute to those Tango dancers who day after day make the history of this popular dancing style in Buenos Aires’ neighborhood clubs and milongas.

 “The Bandoneons´ Night”. A special performance by bandoneon players. The bandoneon is an emblematic instrument in the history of Tango.

 Election of the “2004 Tango Couples”, on each level. All participants registered at the III WORLD TANGO FESTIVAL are able to participate. Winners will receive special prizes and invitations to perform at future festivals.

 Third International Tango Fair, featuring the best offerings in books, recordings, videos, handcrafts, shoes and Tango garments for all participants.

 “Nations Celebration Day”, with a typical barbecue, Argentinean folk dances ( chacareras, zambas, malambos ) and typical music and dances of the different countries.

Most historians agree that the Tango as a whole, reflects the condemnation by the working class, of the ethical, judicial, religious, cultural and political norms and canons of a bourgeoisie society. A fact not too uncommon around the world.

Just so you all know what the Milonga is: The Milonga is a Spanish dance first originated in Andalusia. As the fascinating music traveled the world it assumed various aspects. In Buenos Aires the Gauchos danced it in what is called a closed position, in the lower class cafes. Here their interpretation of it emerged into what today is our Tango. The Milonga enjoyed a popular resurgence some years ago through the Juan Carlos Copes group who performed it the world over.