Slaves to the rhythm

What samba is to Brazil, tango is to Argentina and much more so as couples from all over the dancing world descend on the Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires, for the qualification rounds of the Tango World Championship.

The World Tango Festival is taking place in Buenos Aires this month between the 13th and tomorrow and the programme includes cultural and artistic events centred around the culture of tango. The festival features exhibitions, concerts, film screening, workshops and a conference as part of the tango mentality which Argentinians hold dearly as part of their cultural heritage.

With its own technique and intricacy, tango is one of the most romantic types of dance ever created but it reaches its fulfilment when it is related to its cultural milieu. It gives glamour to the ballroom but also has an allure of the underworld.

According to those who fall under its spell, tango is an improvised, aggressive, romantic and, at times, erotic dance. In fact the rules of the festival stipulate that once a couple is formed, the partners must not separate as long as the music is playing.

This means the embrace, which is considered the basic position of Salon Tango cannot be broken and for the position to be considered correct, the body of one of the partners must be constantly held by the other by means of the embrace. All movements must be performed within the space allowed by the couple´s embrace.

This year the Tango festival in Buenos Aires has brought together hundreds of artistes backed by dancers from Argentina and from some 20 other countries across Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia.

Obviously, the Argentinian hosts “rule” but they do not monopolise the event – especially when one remembers that the reigning champions are Japanese!

So as dancers entwine in a divine fashion and legs draw shapes on the floor let the music play and the contestants take to the stage. The final of Salon Tango competitions are being held today while the Dance World Cup final event in the Stage Tango will be held tomorrow after a week of preliminary rounds.

The prize for the first place in each category will amount to $20,000 while all contestants will be awarded a Dance World Cup participation certificate.