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Origins of the Word Tango

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couple in loveThere are several theories of how the Tango received its name. The theories range from a drum beat to various derivatives of words from different cultures. It seems like the drum theory is the most popular, but even with the drum beat theory there are several different versions of how the word Tango arose. Some say that it was years after the colonization of Argentina by Spain when a number of African slaves were being imported and used the word Tango as the name for the drum-based music and dance that they performed. Not too far off from this theory is the theory that some African descendants combined the name of their god of the drum with the Spanish word for drum to create the new word Tango.

Some of the other theories that describe how the word Tango came about are possibly true as well, or they could be grasping at thin air. You can be the judge of which are, perhaps, hasty conclusions and which are more realistic. Another theory is using derivatives of other words:

  • Tambo- the slave traders’ name for a place where the slaves were kept
  • Tangere- the Latin word meaning touch
  • Tanga- festival or end of mourning ceremony
  • Tangala- to walk heavily
  • Taganana- to walk

As you can see there are various speculations upon where the word Tango came from. There are even more possible derivatives than listed above. Some facts even say that the Tango existed in Mexico in the 18th century, or that was developed in Brazil in the early 19th century, or was of Japanese descent, or originated as a gypsy dance. There are plenty of theories out there, but, for now, all we can be certain of is that there are a lot of theories and trust the ones that are believed to be the most accurate.

If this has spiked your interest in the Tango, Dance FX Studios, in Mesa, Arizona, offers Private Argentine Tango Dance Lessons and Group Argentine Tango Dance Classes. Dance FX Studios also offers other social dance classes for adults; to see more information about our Tango classes and other dance lessons, please visit https://dancefxstudios.com/

Dances Categorized as Ballroom Dancing

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Most likely you have heard the term Ballroom dance, but did you know that not all dances fall into the category of Ballroom dancing? There is even a World Dance Council that determines what is and what isn’t part of a certain Ballroom dance classification. Categories that are used to classify dances include International Standard or International Ballroom, International Latin, American Smooth, and American Rhythm.

Usually Ballroom dancing refers to those dances within the International Standard/Ballroom and International Latin groups. International Standard/Ballroom includes the Foxtrot, Quickstep, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Waltz. Those that are included in the International Latin category consist of Cha Cha Cha, Jive, Paso Doble, Rumba, and Samba. However, in the United States of America and in Canada, there exists another style, the American Style of dance. This consists of American Smooth dances and American Rhythm. In the American Smooth group you will find The Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz, and Waltz. In the American Rhythm category, the dances include Bolero, Cha Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, Mambo, and Rumba.

As you see there are many similarities in the Ballroom dance classifications, they even use similar techniques for both International and American styles. However, International Standard/Ballroom only allows closed dance positions while American Smooth allows both closed and open movements, and even separated dance movements. Every once in a while a dance will get added or removed as Ballroom dance is scrutinized. Some of those dances that are sometimes referred to as Ballroom dances include Hustle, Lindy Hop, Merengue, Nightclub Two Step, Salsa, and West Coast Swing.

If you are interested in learning more about Ballroom dancing and even taking a Ballroom dance class or two, Dance FX Studios in Mesa, Arizona, offers Adult Private Ballroom Dance Lessons and a variety of Group Dance Classes. Try out our introductory offer of $40, 1 hour-long, Private Ballroom Dance Lessons. If you would like to find out more information about this offer and other dance classes we have available, please visit