How To Tango Your Way To Long-Term Health
Short Argentine Tango History
Argentine Tango was danced by a cultural mix of immigrant workers often in the brothels of Buenos Aires. That is why it was considered a “dirty dance” and was shunned by general society.
But, by the 1910-1920s it became very popular in Argentina and Uruguay. During this time period it was introduced to Europe by wealthy Argentinians who often traveled to Europe.
By 1913, Tango became an international phenomenon in Paris, London, and New York. It spread worldwide in the 1920s and 1930s. It was born in the brothels of Argentina, but it was eventually embraced by high society throughout the world.
Today, you can find Tango events i.e. “milongas” almost anywhere in the world. Just Google “Tango events” and I’m sure you are bound to find a Tango academy or event near you.
However, don’t think of Tango as just a dance for snooty elites. Think of it as a healthy exercise. It has many health benefits. It’s an exercise that you can do all the way into old age. “If you can walk, you can Tango.”
Tango Health Benefits
According to the Better Health Magazine the list of benefits is quite large, here are just some:
improved condition of your heart and lungs
increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
increased aerobic fitness
improved muscle tone and strength
weight management
stronger bones and reduced risk of osteoporosis
better coordination, agility and flexibility
improved balance and spatial awareness
increased physical confidence
improved mental functioning
improved general and psychological well-being
greater body awareness, self-confidence and self-esteem
better social skills.
I’ve been dancing Tango now for over 10 years. I didn’t intend to stay with it for so long, but once you start you get hooked!
I enjoy the challenge of it. After a lifetime of participating in a variety of sports, I think of it as a sport, sort of like synchronized swimming. In Tango, the leader must lead, and the follower must follow in a synchronized fashion to create a visual art piece.
I also very much enjoy the social aspects. Tango tends to be a “slow” dance so you can be casual or very intimate with your partner. In fact, some women have expressed that sometimes they experience an “orgasmic feeling” while dancing Tango. In fact, there is a saying that “Tango is the vertical expression of a horizontal desire.”
I describe Tango as dancing to beautiful music with a beautiful partner in a warm embrace. How can anyone not want some of that!
Finally, I’ve made some wonderful friendships that I know will last a lifetime. As one gets older it is important to continue to exercise and move the body. It is also essential to maintain a social network.
In Tango you will find young people and very old people. People from all walks of life, and all cultures. Tango brings the world together.
So, give it a try! Don’t be intimidated! I know you may have seen the professionals dance the Argentine Tango on the hit show “Dancing With the Stars.” They make it look effortlessly beautiful. You may think “I could never do that.”
Well I’m here to tell you that you can! There is some recent research that suggests that in order to become “proficient” at an activity, it only requires 50 hours of “smart practice.” Check out my article here.
Most of us don’t want to be professionals, we just want to be “proficient.” We just want to dance and have fun!
Take advantage of Argentine Tango’s health benefits. Meet friendly people and enjoy the experience of Tango!
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To your success,
David C Figueroa- Success Coach
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David C Figueroa is a psychologist with over 35 years of experience teaching personal development. An awesome success coach, and internet marketer. Now retired, he has refocused his goals into helping ambitious men and women to create exceptional lives.