In tango, a male dancer leads his female partner through a series of sensual and synchronized movements. The man always leads — but Argentina’s “queer tango” turns this convention upside-down.
Subverting the lead male role is nothing short of revolutionary in the rigid world of tango dancing, and faces resistance from traditionalists.
“Tango is a reflection of society, a social code where men have the power,” said Yuko Artak, an instructor at a queer tango lesson in Buenos Aires.
Photo: AFP
She then gives a demonstration: “One, two, three,” Yuko says, guiding her partner, Liliana Chenlo, as music plays in the background.
The women halt in the middle of the dance, switch position, and Chenlo leads Artak.
Tango originated in the late 19th century in the River Plate region, between Argentina and Uruguay. Legend has it that it began as men dancing with men in brothels. As the dance grew in popularity and became accepted among the middle class, women were allowed to join, though always led by the man.
“Queer tango seeks to break up that code ... to shatter the exclusive male-female pairing of the dance,” Artak said.
Alexis and Ignacio, who declined to give their last names, are excited about their queer tango lesson.
“It is good to be able to get out of the forced masculinity, and see the tango as movement,” Ignacio said.
Tango purists had already raised their eyebrows at Astor Piazzolla, the late creator of “Libertango,” who revolutionized the dance with a contemporary vibe that incorporated jazz-style music. Queer tango is facing just as much, if not more, resistance.
Two women were kicked out of a tango dance at a town square in Montevideo in March when they danced as partners.
“People’s minds are a bit closed on this topic,” Chenlo said, with a knowing smile.
This year, she and Artak took the daring step of signing up to compete in the World Tango Championship in Buenos Aires.
About 500 couples from 45 countries entered the event, including three gay couples — one from Russia, and another from Argentina besides Artak and Chenlo.
In their attire and presentation, “we emphasized that we were two women who dance tango together,” Chenlo said.
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