Although tango can be traced back to the working-class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the 1880s, the UNESCO-designated art form of intangible cultural heritage became a global sensation in the 1920s. Nowadays, the genre has evolved and there are more than ten different styles, each expressing distinct themes, and dazzling audiences worldwide nevertheless. This season, the popular Argentine music is coming from the Río de la Plata valley with “We Call It Tango” in London.
Featuring two gifted musicians, a bandoneon player and a pianist, you’ll get reintroduced to iconic classics that have a way of tugging at the heartstrings. Alongside the musicians, a talented dance duo will dance cheek to cheek, demonstrating tango’s abrazo. Places are limited so secure your tickets now!
What is “We Call It Tango”?
The evening starts at Villa Malcolm in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires during the 1950s. Amelia, a young aspiring dancer has fallen under the spell of the mysterious and seductive tango, who against her parents’ wishes sneaks out every night to dance the milonga. Escándalo! Will her dream of becoming a real tanguera come true? All will be revealed at “We Call It Tango”, an enchanting show that depicts both the story of the art form and the show’s main character.
Tango, its music and the show
Tango music is said to have been formed as a result of a combination of elements, such as the Argentine Milonga, Spanish-Cuban Habanera, and Uruguayan Candombe celebrations. It reached its peak popularity between 1935 and 1952 during the so-called “Época de Oro”, when artists in the likes of Paquita Bernardo, Nelly Omar and Carlos Gardel became a huge part of the zeitgeist, touring the world and at times even making appearances on the big screen.
In addition, the tango dance mirrors the music, thus evoking emotional intensity. Two dancers become one as they become entwined in a sensual dance of connection and desire, love and longing. At “We Call It Tango”, you’ll also be treated to 13 entrancing dance numbers directed and choreographed by renowned Argentinian tango performers Agustina Videla and Pablo Destito.
As London gets ready to welcome sensational performers that live and breathe tango, make sure to get your tickets now because they’re known to sell out. “We Call It Tango” is coming to the city on selected dates over the coming months with various seating options depending on the proximity to the stage.