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| No | 49% | 121 votes | Total: 248 votes | |
| Yes | 51% | 127 votes |
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Add to FavoritesIt isn't a question of a woman being allowed to lead, but rather, it is the man who allows the woman to shine on the dance floor, with the intense beauty and dramatic expression that this dance is meant to convey. The man really takes the role of the aggressor, and if the dance is done right, the woman is the object of his affection.
The origin of this dance is vague and difficult to find accuracy in times and places of its beginnings. Some say it originated in Europe; others say it derived from African rhythms. The most claims boasted Buenos Aires as the home of the Tango.
Tango was not particularly socially accepted in upper classes. Somewhere in the late 19th century, it was from desperation and economic hard times that this dance evolved. In the darkness of alleys, immigrants and laborers gravitated to shady bars and houses of ill repute to forget their troubles as a way to ease longing, loneliness and find companionship. Some suggest this dance began as a form of suggestive communication between the prostitute and her man. But as years passed, the vulgarity lessened and the dance became more refined as it made its way to France, where it was accepted among the high society.
The Tango is one of the oldest dance forms that remains a staple throughout South America and Europe, and has evolved into the most romantic dance in Ballroom Dance history. Its popularity continues to spread all over the world. American Tango is on the rise and commonly taught all over the U.S.
To watch the Tango performed by professional dancers, is like observing an artist's flawless masterpiece. It is a dramatic and intense story acted out in dance. You could say it is a glorious reenactment of the old story of cat and mouse, but done with panache and style.
As they take their positions, facing each other, arms embraced, bodies close, eyes locked intensely, the man steps forward as he gently stalks his partner, but it is lust that motivates his every move. Not letting on that she finds him attractive, she glides backward, silently, following his eyes, whirling and slithering around the dance floor. His eyes smolder as he turns her sharply. She is coyly resisting his aggression as her staccato footwork rotates her around him. He is lured into her earthy movements. He stalks; she flirts; he pleads for her affection; she twirls out of his grasp. He dominates, she sneaks away weaving in and out of his arms. Their heads snap toward each other as they embrace in a promenade around the floor. There is a sense of urgency in every move. He captures. She surrenders.
Excuse me while I go sign up for lessons right now!
Learn more about this author, Carole Hill.
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Yes
A dance as fiery, passionate and sensual as the tango demands that a woman at times lead and at times be led. Men came to the seaport cities and towns of South America to find their fame and fortune in the late 1800s. To rid them of the tension of being away from home and to unwind, the tango, which was a fusion of the African and European cultures easily, became accepted. Initially, there were more men than women in these areas and men often danced together. Women came into the mix when the dance was moved into the dance halls, bars and brothels. There is a story that a woman would choose her client for the evening by his dancing skill and he had three chances to impress. There is no doubt that the tango became sexual when women began dancing with the men. Although, never stated, I'm sure there was probably more than one occasion when a woman was leading.
It must be remembered that during this time in history it was against the social morals of the day for decent men and women to embrace during a dance. It was barely permissible for a man to even touch a woman when dancing. The tango broke all of the rules. It was obscene in no uncertain terms. Men and women not only engaged in seductive embraces but intricate dance steps even entwining their legs. The tango involved pillow talk, whispered in the ear, on the dance floor along with caresses and flirtation. Because the women dancing did not meet the socially acceptable standards, they no doubt initiated a good deal of the interaction on the dance floor to bring their partner to that exciting climax that would come later or perhaps not.
Today, the tango is as sensually charged as it was when created. It is still a dance where anything goes and there are no social restrictions. Oddities in other dances, don't apply in the tango. It is not unusual to find an older woman dancing with a younger man, a full figured woman with a slender guy or a man shorter than his dancing partner. In a dance where oddities are not out of place, there is no shame in a woman taking the lead. This is such a free spirited dance that it almost demands she do so if she chooses. The tango was born out of a time when lost souls were trying to find a connection, to express themselves in a way that was socially suppressed in much of the civilized world. It didn't matter at that time if women took the lead and it certainly doesn't matter today when women take the lead in so many areas of our life. Why can't a woman do so on the floor, especially when it doesn't take anything away from the dance?
Learn more about this author, Alice Whitaker.
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