When thinking of the Argentine tango, many people remember the Hollywood film ‘The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ in 1926 starring Rudolph Valentino as a tango dancing gaucho and one of the first male movie sex symbols. The scene became famous all around the globe, prompting tango classes and competitions, even though in reality gauchos do not participate in dancing the tango. By the 1930’s Argentina was one of the ten richest countries in the world, with the tango flourishing as a fundamental expression of Argentine culture.
Argentina’s main tango legend is Carlos Gardel, who transformed the tango song to a style popular among widely differing social classes. Everything about him spelt tango; his beautiful baritone voice, arrogance, and machismo yet sensitivity – all helped by the invention and wide use of radio, records and film. Though he was tragically killed in an airplane crash, you can still find his image on plaques and in record-store windows all over Buenos Aires.
Want to experience the sensual and erotic tango? Visit a tango show preceded by a dinner, such as Esquina Carlos Gardel, located exactly where Carlos Gardel used to sing. Watch a group of dancers present a dazzling and memorable performance!