Tango Predator - myth or reality? The dangers of the dance floor
Tango is a passionate, glamorous partner dance that has captivated dancers and viewers all over the globe. Its vibrant style and rich historical background ensure its timeless appeal to the dance community and beyond over the centuries.
Tango is a spirited dance that is an excellent choice for professional dancers who are veterans at this dance style, as well as amateurs who are planning to learn it with their partners or on their own.
Nevertheless, both expert and newbie dancers alike should make sure to practice tango safety codes so they can avoid unintentional or intentional risks.
Because of the sensual nature of the tango, its practice may potentially lead to certain tango dangers. It may result in unintentional awkward moments between partners which may arise due to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and cultural differences.
It is also possible for a dancer to encounter tango predators and sexual harassment on the dance floor.
Nevertheless, people should not avoid dancing the tango because of the potential risks it may involve. Following the tango guidelines, exercising common sense, and respecting others can ensure the safety of veteran and amateur dancers alike.
What Is Tango?
Tango is a popular partner dance that highlights the lively movements, intense expressions, passion, and connection between the two dancers.
It focuses on the playful dynamics between the leader and the follower.
The leader sets the general tone of the dance, while the follower responds to the actions of the leader. The cooperative interactions between the two dancers can lead to an improvisational form of dance.
The history of the Tango actually matters
Just like the words have meaning, the dance movements, the body language, has meaning too. Pay attention though, as the meaning can vary based on the culture and cultural context. We interpret Tango in the prism so Argentine Culture.
It’s not very advisable to take movement at its face value. It’s good to know what it used to mean or suggest at its roots. This way you can consciously choose to add it to your vocabulary (or not) and interpret it in the context of the Tango dance.
The early history of tango began in Argentina during the 18th century. It originated from a combination of cultural influences from South American natives, European immigrants, and former African slaves. The dances of the African community during their musical gatherings led to the development of new styles of partner dance which was performed by the lower class population.
The tango increasingly became popular in the marginal districts of cities like Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
While there were different types of tango dances that existed during those early days, only a single style became well-known in general society. This dance is now called the authentic tango or tango criollo.
Britannica describes the progressive changes which the tango dance underwent during the 1880s:
“The tango evolved about 1880 in dance halls and perhaps brothels in the lower-class districts of Buenos Aires, where the Spanish tango, a light-spirited variety of flamenco, merged with the milonga, a fast, sensual, and disreputable Argentine dance;
it also shows possible influences from the Cuban habanera.”
From its humble roots, the tango gradually became not just an acceptable dance, but also a fashionable one. It even became a dance craze in European society.
From its humble roots, the tango gradually became not just an acceptable dance, but also a fashionable one. It even became a dance craze in European society. In 1910, the first ever tango music by well-known composers got published.
Tango music was originally lively, but the music and lyrics gradually mellowed until they could be described as melancholy during the 1920s. The tango steps evolved from a spirited, impulsive dance to a sleeker, smoother salon-appropriate dance. The typical tempos used for the tango are 2/4, 4/4, and 4/8.
Argentina films also played a role in increasing the fame of tango all around the globe from 1916 to 1930. A Western Oregon University publication relates that “many films were created that featured the tango and aided in the popularization of the music and dance. These films were all created in Argentina as an effort to further spread the tango around the world.”
The notable figures in tango history include Juan d’Arienzo, Osvaldo Pugliese, Anibal Troilo, Francisco Canaro, Carlos Gardel, Carlos Di Sarli, and Astor Piazzolla. Up to now, the tango is an integral part of the national heritage of Argentina and Uruguay.
At present, tango continues to enjoy worldwide recognition for its contribution to global culture. The tango dance is included in the 2009 edition of its “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” UNESCO recognizes the tango for its major impact on diversity:
“The music, dance, and poetry of tango both embody and encourages diversity and cultural dialogue.”
“It is practiced in the traditional dance halls of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, spreading the spirit of its community across the globe even as it adapts to new environments and changing times. That community today includes musicians, professional and amateur dancers, choreographers, composers, songwriters, teachers of the art and the national living treasures who embody the culture of tango.”
Which Factors Make Tango Dancers Prone to Tango Dangers?
The tango is an enchanting dance that has effortlessly charmed dancers and observers alike over the years.
Ironically, some of the distinct characteristics which make the tango dance fascinating may also make dancers susceptible to certain risks.
1. Close Physical Contact
Close physical contact is an inevitable part of the tango because of the traditional steps of the dance. The male and female dancers need to embrace and touch each other throughout the course of their dance performance. While it is a normal part of the dance routine, this physical connection may potentially spark sexual attraction, or the illusion of a relationship extended beyond the dance floor, in one or both of the dancers.
2. Romantic Elements
The passionate music, Milonga settings, and dim lighting may also contribute to increasing the increasing sense of romance, and even sexual tension, between the two dancers. While most dancers behave, respectfully and professionally, it is natural for everyone’s emotions to become affected by the passionate music and lyrics, nature of the movement, and sense of togetherness, as well as romantic settings.
3. Revealing Attire
Since tango emphasizes the duality of nature of each person - feminine and masculine - Tango clothing is often designed to accentuate those aspects. The leaders’ outfits aim to magnify the macho aspects of a Leader, while the Followers’ attire usually follows the femme fatale cliche and tends to reveal a fair amount of skin.
Even though this is a popular choice of attire for the majority of tangueras, and it’s not necessarily meant for seduction purposes, since we live and function in a particular culture, we need to consider the effect, and possible consequences and learn to become more assertive in stating our rights. However, one needs to consciously realize that wearing revealing attire can lead to an increase in direct skin contact between dancers, which could lead to certain misunderstandings, in one or both parties.
The sensual nature of the tango dance can naturally result in one-sided or mutual sexual attraction between two dance partners.
Read more here about the sensation that is often defined as TANGASM.
What Potential Tango Dangers Can Dancers Experience?
While tango can be a source of joy and beauty, the reality is that it may also result in tango dangers in certain situations.
1. Sexual Harassment by a Tango Predator
In case a dancer unexpectedly encounters a tango predator, there is a possibility that this person with malicious intentions may sexually harass or molest his or her partner, especially in Milonga settings.
Sexual harassment in the tango community may occur whenever unwanted physical contact is initiated. Comments or compliments paid, that make the recipient feel uncomfortable or threatened, also fall in this category. For example, the predator may unnecessarily touch his or her partner’s body parts. The predator may also pressure or force his or her partner to engage in unwelcome activities, by continuously proposing and engaging in the suggetsive dance movemnets.
2. Misunderstandings Between Two Tango Dancers
Even if both partners have clean intentions, it is still possible for awkwardness to arise between two dancers.
For example, a dancer who is attracted to his or her partner may misunderstand that the attraction is mutual because of their chemistry during the dance.
A dancer may misinterpret the facial expressions or sensual movements of his or her partner as signs of reciprocated affection, even if it is simply a normal part of the dance for the other person.
Aside from this, the cultural differences between two partners may also cause one person to suspect that he or she is being sexually harassed by the other person while they are dancing, even if there was no malicious intent on the part of the partner.
This situation may apply to people who belong to a cultural background that discourages physical contact between unrelated people of the opposite sex.
What Tango Safety Codes Should Dancers Follow To Avoid Tango Dangers and Predators?
The enthralling tango dance may affect the emotions of dancers. Nevertheless,
each dancer is still responsible for his or her actions, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background.
There is no excuse for sexual harassment, no matter how attracted a dancer is to his or her partner.
LA Tango Academy expounds on the ambiguity of tango etiquette:
“Tango has its own etiquette and it's not always perfectly intuitive.”
That’s why you and your dance partner should follow these tango safety codes to avoid tango dangers and predators.
1. Establish Physical Boundaries
Tango naturally involves physical contact between you and your dance partner. In spite of it, Tango Voice explains that it is possible to establish appropriate physical boundaries as you dance together:
“When a woman accepts the invitation to dance by cabeceo from a man, there is a tacit agreement that they will embrace upon dancing, i.e., that they will enter into and remain in each other’s intimate space.
Nevertheless, there are still rules governing this engagement… When behavior extends beyond these boundaries, the offended partner has the right to cease dancing with the perpetrator and leave the dance floor. Thus, although permission is granted to enter one’s personal space, there are rules governing this release of personal boundaries.”
Here are some basic guidelines that you and your partner should observe:
● Embrace: The embrace must be comfortably firm, yet not too tight or constraining. Neither you nor your partner should feel that you are being forcibly pulled towards each other.
● Hands: Your hands should be positioned only in the neutral body parts of your partner, such as the back or upper arms. Avoid touching your partner’s torso or areas below his or her waist. There should be no pelvic contact between the two of you as well.
● Legs: Do not interlace your legs with your partner’s legs. Ganchos, wraps, sacadas - those figures shall be proposed and not forced.
Take your partner’s personal preferences into account as well. The Yale Tango Club clarifies that different dancers may have different comfort levels when it comes to dance moves: “Dancers uncomfortable with tango movements including, but not limited to, close embrace, leg wrap or sacadas, are encouraged to share their preferences and boundaries.”
2. Request for Consent
Make sure to ask for permission from your partner regarding dance-related the physical contact such as the closeness of the embrace, lifts, and dips. Esquina Tango recommends that you establish consent before you dance with your partner:
“Assume consent is not established unless you hear a yes. In other words, ask permission before initiating dips, hugs, kisses, and more intimate relationships. Most important, remember that consent cannot be established if someone is coerced, under the influence, or unconscious. Consent is a verbal agreement and not to be assumed.”
3. Follow Dance Community Rules
Every dance community has its own ground rules which it has established for the safety and protection of all the dancers. Be a cooperative member of your own dance group, organization, club, or school by following these regulations. Your mutual cooperation will promote smooth interactions and amicable relationships among the members of the community.
4. Avoid Making Sexual Advances
The dance floor is not the right place to make sexual advances to your partner or to other dancers and instructors. Even if you or your partner have mutually consented to date, do not practice public displays of affection in dance settings out of courtesy to the people around you.
5. Inform Others About Violations
In case your partner violates one of these guidelines, let him or her know immediately that you are uncomfortable with their actions or words.
If the offense was not intentional, your partner can stop right away once he or she is aware of the negative effect of his actions on you. Just in case you realize that you are dancing with a tango predator, it is possible that he or she will continue the offensive practices anyway.
Say THANK YOU, and leave the floor. This way without breaking the Tango Codigos you are rising the red flag for everyone around you to know that something wnet not accoding to the plan.
If you believe that your dance partner has overstepped your personal boundaries inform the organizer! This way they can take the necessary steps to ensure your safety.
In the event that you are the one who unintentionally offended your partner or other dancers, be humble enough to apologize and to take active steps to make amends.
6. Show Respect to Others
Overall, the best way to promote the safety of the tango community is to show respect for yourself and other people.
Be responsible for your own actions and words.
Be courteous and considerate to everyone, no matter what their gender, nationality, age, sexual preference, or dance skills are.
The Simple & Elegant blog reminds dancers that “tango is based on mutual respect.” That’s why you should protect your dance partner’s dignity and your own honor.
Finally, Tango in San Antonio advises dancers to respect all aspects of the tango dance:
“Respect — your partner, your partner’s level of dancing, the people around you, the music or the orquesta, the culture and heritage of tango.”
Always Follow Tango Safety Codes To Avoid Tango Dangers and Predators
Tango dance skills are important to the lives of dancers, but tango safety is even more essential to the dance community.
Do your best to follow Tango Codigos and the tango safety codes so that you and your dance partner can avoid tango dangers and predators as you maximize your artistic enjoyment of this charismatic dance.