Videos

Here are a few Argentine tango videos that I like for various reasons.  In general, I appreciate partner connection, spontaneous improvisational musicality, creativity, and smooth, dynamic movement.   The viewer will perceive that there is considerable variation in these videos.  I tend not to compare or catalog tango dance styles.  My view is inclusive: it’s all tango. For me, the variety just reflects some measure of the space available for creativity and personal expression within the realm of Argentine tango.

These videos generally do not present the dramatic virtuosity of choreographed performances like one sees on “Dancing with the Stars” but the subtle smoothness of connected partner dancing, either socially or as a demonstration for groups of dancers assembled at a social dance event. Dancing in some of these videos is choreographed, but the majority feature extemporaneous, improvisational dancing. Where movement appears to exactly match the music this reflects the dancers’ intimate familiarity with the music, rather than practiced choreography.

From time to time these videos may be removed or new videos posted when I run across something I like or feel may be useful to students.

Enjoy!

Tango – smooth, musical, social dancing

• Julio Balmaceda y Corina de la Rosa with Gregory “Grisha” Nisnevich (Guitar). Two in one- Milongue del Ayer-Vals La Partida. Show de los Maestros, CITA 2005  – a great example of dancers and a musician listening to each other and collaborating in the moment to create a work of beauty
• Frank Obregón y Jenny Gil 24-10-09 Salon Canning – Buenos Aires – Junto a tu corazón
• Viviana and Ruben What the old-school milongueros can do when they have all the space to themselves.
• Jean Seb Rampazzi and Maria Filali – In this dance demonstration, these two really reveal the level of connection and technique that underpins playful improvisation.  It is interesting to watch many unexpected things creatively unfold.
• Alex and Patricia perform to Ojos De Tango at the Tucson Tango Festival, March 4, 2017
• TangoAmadeus Wien 2012 (This link includes several performances.)  Very connected and musical.

Tango Vals – smooth, flowing, musical tango “waltz”

• Julio Balmaceda and Corina de la Rosa Vals in Montreal, October 11, 2015
• Frank Obregón y Jenny Gil en La Baldosa, October 30, 2009
• Ciccio Aiello & Sofia Galanaki at Istanbul Tango Festival 2014
• Virginia Gomez y Christian Marquez “Los Totis  SEXTETO MILONGUERO Bajo un cielo de estrellas” (Vals) Lugar: La Milonga del Morán (Milonga Mensual), October 2012
• Fausto Carpino & Stephanie Fresneau performing val (waltz), milonga, and tango at Festival OsterTango Basel 2017

Milonga – grounded, rhythmic, playful, fun

• Jessica Stserbakova & Somer Surgit – Mi vieja linda.  Nice improvisation, cadencia and pauses.
• Julio Balmaceda and Corina de la Rosa – Natural talent.
• Chicho Frumboli & Juana Sepulveda performing in NYC – remarkably dynamic and creative musical improvisation to a slow milonga
• Dani ‘El Flaco’ Garcia & Silvina Valz dancing to ‘Tango Negro’
• Roberto Herrera and Natacha Poberaj  El Lloron  Choreographed, but playful.  Full of unusual moments masterfully executed.

Alternative – Tango is sometimes danced to alternative (non-tango) music.