The Tango - Man-On-Man Action
I've been long long much addicted to the tango and naturally very open to the men-on-men histories of the dance that developed first in working-class port neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires in Argentina from the mid 19th century.
Good to first sort myth from fact though. So we don't get too carried away!
The hottest and most seductive fantasy, for me, was that men, while waiting to be attended to in bordellos ('prostibulos'), would dance the tango to pass the time. Raging hormones momentarily re-channelled.
However, there seem to be two strands of fact that better work together.
Being a dance of the poor, the tango tended to be performed in the streets. As a result of European migration in the early C19, there was an increasing social disapproval of women in free contact with men, such that outdoor dancing drifted into men-on-men action.
And with men far out-numbering women in Argentina in the early C20, men would practise dancing with each other in males-only prácticas in preparation for the time with women. At these prácticas, a man would first watch, then be taught by an older and more experienced dancer to follow and only finally would learn to lead. When proficient, would finally be taken by an experienced dancer to a milonga for an arranged dance with a woman.
Now what lead me on this little detour into the history of the tango was this totally charming, sweet and teasing video of the De Fazio brothers, Enrique and Guillermo, executing the 'Reliquias Portenas' ...
... much to the delight and appreciation of their audience.
What a delight! Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteSomeone needs to write a novel or, better yet, make a movie about a hot older man (late 30s, maybe, widower, no children) whose only emotional outlet is the tango. He begins teaching a lonely young man-- immigrant, lonely, rather scared of being alone in this foreign country--and they both fall in love with each other, surprises both of them, they're not sure how to deal with the situation, but it's "safe" as long as the just dance the tango in the streets. But then one night they dance it alone...
hey paul
ReplyDeletemy creative juices (minuscule as they are) are flowing in the direction you suggest for a novel - i think it's the music that's the stimulant as much as anything. i see the movie (it will get snapped up for sure)in sepia tones, and haunting latin music - as you can see my talent really is small!
curious that these two guys are brothers and that the audience doesn't all all find it funny other than when the dancers intend it
i've watched the clip more than i imagined i would - it's the old tango addict in me, not far from the surface!