Tango originated in Argentina around the 1800s, as a combination of both African and Argentinian influences. In 1983, the right-winged military dictatorship of Argentina fell, and acceptance of homosexuality grew. Soon after, Argentina was the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage. And now, same-sex tango is growing to be more popular.
I find it interesting how art reflects the changing values of our times. As acceptance of homosexuality grows, and gender roles are starting to become more obsolete, dancing tango with the same gender develops. Open-role tango isn’t only about having the chance to dance with a lover who is of the same sex. It allows a women to lead, and a man to follow, thus breaking the mold of gender roles. It also shows a different side to tango. In another sense, open-role tango can also take the lead-follow aspect out of traditional tango. In a quote by Patrick Loughran, “Eventually it turns into this Ouija board, where there’s no leading or following. It’s just being.”
Anton Gazenbeek, who is 26, has been dancing tango since he was 14. He says, “With women it’s nice, soft, romantic, gentle, sweet. With men it’s very powerful and very athletic, and very much like a game.” In anticipation of the Queer Tango Festival, he has been instructing people in “open-role” tango. People of all sexual orientation and tango skill level are welcomed.
Queer Tango Festival Buenos Aires
Tango is a highly expressive form that does not follow a specific dance step, but involves the two dancers leading and following each other in a subtle give and take. This is a metaphor for ALL relationships of every kind.