Buenos Aires and Japan: Salon Tango Parallelism

Tango is not merely a dance; it is a philosophy of life. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this art form is now beloved worldwide. What is particularly fascinating is the development of tango in Japan. The practice and cultural background of salon tango in Buenos Aires and Japan reveal surprising similarities and differences.

Salon Tango in Buenos Aires: Tradition and Passion

Salon tango in Buenos Aires developed from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. Initially a form of entertainment for the lower classes, it gradually spread throughout society and became a symbol of Argentine culture.

Historical Background

Buenos Aires tango was born from a fusion of African, Spanish, and Italian immigrant cultures. Port workers gathered at night to dance and forget their daily struggles through music and movement. This background gave tango its deep emotion and passion.

Cultural Characteristics

In Buenos Aires salon tango, improvisation and freedom are highly valued. Dancers surrender to the music and create movements through dialogue with their partner. Footwork is complex, and sometimes even the sound of feet tapping becomes part of the music.

Salon Tango in Japan: Refinement and Precision

The history of tango in Japan is relatively recent. Tango was introduced to Japan from the 1960s to 1970s. Initially limited, it has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years. Particularly in Yokohama and Tokyo, salon tango communities are thriving.

The Japanese Approach

Japanese salon tango respects the Buenos Aires style while developing its own characteristics. Japanese dancers tend to emphasize technical precision and formal beauty. Movements are refined and calculated, with harmony between partners being extremely important.

Social Background

Tango in Japan has a different social background than in Buenos Aires. In Japan, tango is often recognized as a high-class cultural activity, with participants typically being well-educated and economically privileged. Additionally, Japanese social norms of politeness and order are reflected in how tango is practiced.

Similarities: Musicality and Partnership

There are important similarities between salon tango in Buenos Aires and Japan.

• Deep Understanding of Music: Dancers in both regions understand and respond to the complex rhythms and emotional depth of tango music.

• Importance of Partnership: Tango is a dialogue between two people. In both Buenos Aires and Japan, trust and harmony with your partner are key to success.

• Emotional Expression: In both regions, tango is a means of expressing emotions such as joy, sadness, love, and passion.

Differences: Style and Philosophy

On the other hand, there are clear differences between salon tango in Buenos Aires and Japan.

• Improvisation vs. Planning: Buenos Aires tango is improvisational and offers high degrees of freedom, while Japanese tango is more structured and planned.

• Social Background: Buenos Aires tango was born from working-class culture, while Japanese tango developed as a relatively high-class cultural activity.

• Technical Focus: In Buenos Aires, emotional expression is prioritized, while in Japan, technical perfection tends to be emphasized.

The Importance of Walking (Caminata)

In tango, walking (caminata) is the most fundamental and important element. In Buenos Aires, walking is natural and fluid, characterized by movements that surrender to the music. In Japan, walking is more precise, with each step clearly defined.

However, in both regions, walking is the heart of tango. Without proper walking, one cannot understand the essence of tango.

Learning Tango at NRG SPACE MOTOMACHI STUDIO

If you wish to learn salon tango in Yokohama and Tokyo, we recommend NRG SPACE MOTOMACHI STUDIO. Here, two excellent instructors, Cesar Canisales and Enrique Morales, teach tango.

Cesar Canisales is from Argentina and has a deep understanding of traditional Buenos Aires tango. He is committed to teaching not only the technical aspects of tango but also its cultural background and emotional depth.

Enrique Morales is equally passionate about understanding and conveying the essence of tango. Both instructors respect the Buenos Aires style while developing teaching methods suited to Japanese learners.

Classes at NRG SPACE MOTOMACHI STUDIO accommodate all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers. Cesar Canisales and Enrique Morales have been major forces in promoting tango in Yokohama and are now expanding their activities to Tokyo.

Conclusion

Salon tango in Buenos Aires and Japan, born from different cultural backgrounds, share the essence of tango: musicality, partnership, and emotional expression. The improvisational and passionate style of Buenos Aires and the refined and precise style of Japan are both valid ways to express the charm of tango.

Learning tango is not merely acquiring dance skills; it is understanding different cultures and experiencing the depth of human relationships. By taking lessons with Cesar Canisales and Enrique Morales at NRG SPACE MOTOMACHI STUDIO, you can enter the wonderful world of this magnificent art form.

nrg space motomachi tango salon in japan

Cesar Canisales

 NRG Space Yokohama

 Yokohama Argentine Tango