Tango and missing vegetables

"Being more catholic than the Pope" is an expression that is the epitome and embodiment of all things some of us do when we find ourselves passionate about making discoveries in a new belief system, hubby, or any newly arrived at convictions. Dancing Tango seems to be one such example.

There seems to be this never ending discussion of what tango is and how it is "authentically" danced in BsAs or how the traditions are not respected else where in the world. We keep hearing from some that there are evidences everywhere that tango is being destroyed by these "jolly" foreigners putting new nasty things in and taking fundamental things out!

It is useful here if it is also mentioned that many returning visitors from Argentina complain that green vegetables are missing from the menu scene. They are not customarily part of most restaurants' menus in the beloved "tango" capital city of Argentina: BsAs.

As odd as it may initially seem Tango and the missing (green) vegetables are very directly related to each other if we are to discuss merits and pitfalls of the culture of "Being more catholic than the Pope".

When we approach the topic of convictions on authenticity, traditionalism, and argue that there is a betrayal of values by those who introduce new and different music for us to dance to or that there are new forms of movements/steps developed, taught and practiced by some that are distancing us from the traditional tango then the question arises whether Tango is an art form or not.

If Tango is an art form then like any other it has to be dynamic, living, changing, and evolving, and to experience its dynamism as it develops. We may have to start with a recognised structure of an art form but we need also allow it to extend its parameters in order for it to become more creative and expressive. Tango is not static and it can not be asked to become one.

The times that tango was a mere cultural oddity from a far off country in the world is long gone. Tango is now international. The label "Argentine" is to define this art form by its structure and not to force a fundamentalist set of strangle holds on its dynamism and evolving/changing expressions.

Dancing tango to a "non-tango" song or introducing moves that do not find a mapping in the roots of tango, none of these are to be seen as a cardinal sin or even transgressions aimed at destroying tango.

Away from BsAs traditions and culture, everyone has come to learn and know that colourful vegetables and change are good for a healthy vibrant life. It is now time not to shy away from demanding changes to "the menus of BsAs".

Let us be as catholic as the Pope in our churches but allow ourselves and others the permission to be open to change in Tango. We need to recognise the inevitable dynamism of tango and the changes that it has already been through.

We need not fear a non-fundamentalist approach to this art form but embrace the change as we do passionately when we dance with someone very different and challenging in our milongas.

MilongaCat
The only cat who loves you back!