UNESCO’s Recognition of Tango as a Cultural Heritage
Everything has history, but not everything has made an impact so strong that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes it.
The organization aims to celebrate the diversity of cultures worldwide, recognizing intangible cultural heritage such as arts, rituals, and activities important to a culture’s identity.
Yes, when UNESCO declares one thing as part of a nation’s cultural heritage, it means something.
And UNESCO’s recognition of tango in 2009 was a big deal.
To some, tango may simply be just one of the many dances you can learn. But to many,
tango is a passionate art of expression that has endured hundreds of years.
It’s easy to watch a tango couple glide and spin on a dance floor, but the powerful movements communicate something much deeper.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Argentine tango, its impact on the culture of Argentina, and what UNESCO’s recognition means.
History of Tango
When we say “Argentine tango,” it can mean either the music or the dance.
Either way, the two are intertwined in a beautiful, passionate story. It all started in the late 1800s when European immigrants of different backgrounds experimented with music that combined different genres they encountered in the Western hemisphere.
Tango was born and fostered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Montevideo, Uruguay, and reached other countries like Cuba and Spain.
Tango was the “music of the immigrants.”
The people played and sang it to express their longing for the home they left behind.
It was popular among working-class citizens, with people dancing during conventillos or gatherings.
At some point, tango was an appalling activity. But eventually, it spread globally, carrying a rich history of culture.
MasterClass in “Guide to Tango Music: A Brief History of Argentine Tango”
describes tango music with a 2/4 or 4/4 time signature, heavy use of the tango rhythm, an angular, staccato rhythmic emphasis, and a strong influence of European classical dance music.
It also has an additional influence from Argentine and Uruguayan folk music. Tango music has Spanish-language lyrics often performed by a tango orquesta típica.
Instrumental tango music is common, involving traditional tango instruments: double bass, guitar, bandoneon, violin, flute and clarinet, piano, and vocals. And when talking about tango dance, Dance Facts said in “Tango History – Origin and Characteristics of Tango”:
“It is important to mention that the initial burst of popularity of Tango dance was fueled with the emotions of thousands of young immigrant men who arrived in Argentina searching for a better life.”
The result of that search was a dance that thrives in a close hold, stealthy, cat-like movements, and unmistakable staccato.
All the emotions, experiences, and culture of Argentine immigrants were encapsulated in one dramatic, extraordinary dance.
Tango as an Art Form
“Isn’t it just the same as other dances?” you might ask. You might think of ballet, hip-hop, or salsa and find no difference between their importance. You’re right;
tango is just as important as other dances, but its impact on many people’s lives, especially from Argentina, makes it stand out. Tango is an art form carefully crafted and passed on through generations.
The Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries defines “art” as
“the use of the imagination to express ideas or feelings, particularly in painting, drawing or sculpture.”
If we want to go deeper, David Howard, in “What is Art? and/or What is Beauty?” said:
“Art is something we do, a verb.
Art is an expression of our thoughts, emotions, intuitions, and desires, but it is even more personal than that: it’s about sharing the way we experience the world, which for many is an extension of personality.
It is the communication of intimate concepts that cannot be faithfully portrayed by words alone. And because words alone are not enough, we must find some other vehicle to carry our intent. But the content that we instill on or in our chosen media is not in itself the art. Art is to be found in how the media is used, the way in which the content is expressed.”
The same words perfectly describe tango. The dance brings together two people, the leader and the follower, each with a unique story to tell.
Tango music becomes their language; in their embrace, steps, turns, and gestures, they communicate emotions that words cannot adequately convey.
Whoever learns the language of tango discovers a way to express themselves, often in ways they never thought possible.
The Complexity of Tango Music and Dance
Tango has also become a ballroom dance, resulting from a more formalized style developed in Europe and North America since the 1910s.
It has become an international dance, with variations existing in the countries that adopted it. However,
regardless of its variations, the essence of tango remains the same: an embrace, a story of two people dancing in close contact.
And anyone who dances it knows how complex it can be, requiring strength and finesse.
George Pytlik, in “The complex simplicity of Tango,” said
tango is a unique ballroom dance. It uses more walking steps than other dances, giving dancers time to think about what figure to do next.
However, he adds:
“Yet there are things about the way this walking action takes place that are utterly foreign to how we normally walk. Every forward step taken with the left foot must be placed on the line of the right foot, yet with the right side leading. Likewise, every backward step with the right foot must be placed on the line of the left foot. The feet lift off the floor where in the other dances they glide in constant contact.
The knees are kept slightly bent throughout the dance, leading to a very level and horizontal style of movement as compared to having rise and fall. There is no sway, since there is no swing action. The hold is different, to accommodate the sudden changes of direction or movement.”
In other words,
tango combines science, geometry, posture, footwork, and movement, which takes many years to master.
The importance of the music is just as great, and its complexity has allowed tango musicians to express themselves in unique ways and experiment with different rhythms, harmonies, and styles.
Tango as a Symbol of Argentine Identity (The Connection Between Tango and Argentine National Identity)
Going back to tango’s roots, exploring the connection between tango and Argentine national identity is essential to understanding its importance.
The dance is a national symbol of Argentina, representing the inspiration for other forms of expression.
Before it was a global phenomenon, it was a way for people to express themselves, sharing their experiences and emotions through music and dance.
Christine S. Nielsen and Juan Gabriel Mariotto, in “The Tango Metaphor: The Essence of Argentina’s National Identity,” analyzed tango as a metaphor “forged through socioeconomic and political forces integral to the development of Argentine national identity.”
Tango helps us extend and deepen our knowledge of the past, allowing us to reflect on Argentine culture and values.
The Role of Tango in the Development of Music and Dance in Argentina
The role of tango in the development of music and dance in Argentina cannot be overstated. When you listen to a tango song, you get a glimpse of Argentine culture and the struggles and joys shared by Argentine people throughout the centuries. When you dance the tango, you discover how the Argentine people have emphasized the art of connection, trust, and communication.
Tango is inextricably linked to the identity of Argentina, holding parts of its history that no other country can claim. So,
wherever tango goes, so does the spirit of Argentina.
Most Important Personalities in Argentine Tango
Unsurprisingly, tango has also brought forth some of the most important personalities in Argentine culture.
The significant figures of tango, such as Carlos Gardel, Anibal Troilo, and Astor Piazzolla, have become legendary for their contributions to tango music.
Moreover,
El Cachafaz, Carlos Gavito, and Roberto Pocho Carreras are some of the most influential figures in tango dance.
Mi Noche Triste
It was the singer Carlos Gardel who popularized singing tango in 1917.
His song “Mi Noche Triste” made him the biggest star in tango music, and his death ushered in tango’s golden age.
El Cachafaz, on the other hand, was one of the first famous tango dancers in history.
Fast forward to the 19th century,
Carlos Gavito, an all-time respected tango dancer, was the last milonguero with a didactic dancing style.
He was among the best tango dancers of the 19th century, inspiring many dancers.
Another important name in the tango world is Juan Carlos Copes, a tango performer, choreographer, and dancer.
As said by Cora Harris in “10 Famous Tango Dancers Whose Performances Have Inspired Many”:
“He was an important part of the tango revival, especially the Argentine tango, after the democracy of Argentina.”
Giselle Anne and Gustavo Naveira also had a major contribution to the tango world.
The co-directors and co-founders of BTS (Boulder Tango Studio) and BTF (Boulder Tango Festival) have provided tango dancers with a larger range of possibilities and creativity to explore.
Many names have been associated with tango and its development. Perhaps, if there’s a list of the most important Argentine tango personalities, it would be endless! Many have shared their passion for tango and made it known to the world.
The Meaning of Tango as a Cultural Heritage
Now that we’ve explored tango’s roots and worldwide journey, we can wonder…
What’s the impact of UNESCO’s recognition of tango?
What does it mean to be an intangible cultural heritage? UNESCO has listed many things worldwide, and not everyone understands the meaning behind the recognition.
The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is a legal instrument that protects and promotes cultural practices and expressions of humanity, such as music, dance, oral traditions, rituals, festivals, and more. Simply put,
when the organization recognizes an intangible cultural heritage, it’s a way of honoring and highlighting its importance in the world.
In this case,
when UNESCO granted tango its recognition, they confirmed the importance of Argentine culture and highlighted how extraordinary it is.
More people, locally and internationally, can learn and experience tango, enabling its spirit to penetrate even more hearts. Ultimately,
the recognition works to preserve this cultural treasure for future generations.
The Importance of Preserving Tango for Future Generations
Like other historical arts, tango could also be lost over time. People often leave out many things from the equation when preserving culture, and it’s crucial to remember that the intangible elements of a culture are also essential.
Preserving tango allows future generations to learn and celebrate history.
It has been an important part of Argentine culture since the 18th century, and it’s an avenue for connecting people, not only in Argentina but also around the world. In the future, tango could introduce the youth to their roots and lead them to paths of understanding and appreciation.
Tango is the story of immigrants in Argentina.
It’s the story of people who found themselves at a gathering during the 18th century, the singers who invented their own words for the music, and the dancers who craved a way to express themselves.
Tango brings people together, and it has the potential to become a bridge that unites people from different cultures.
From being the music and dance of the lower classes in Argentina, it has become the music and dance of passionate people expressing themselves.
Tango, Transcending Time and Space
Tango has traveled far and wide, bringing its energy to any place it touches. It’s a powerful force that unites people from different countries and cultures in ways others don’t.
UNESCO’s recognition of tango has opened the door for more people to learn and experience the beauty of this influential art.
Whether from Argentina or other parts of the world, everyone is welcome to explore the passionate dance that transcends time and space. Anyone who has experienced how tango connects people with its poetry and fire would agree: tango is a cultural heritage we must preserve.
When people explore this vibrant art, they are reminded of the importance of the culture and its impact on people around the world. And most importantly, it is in our hands to keep its spirit alive.
UNESCO’s recognition of tango as a cultural heritage was only the beginning of a journey that should last forever.