What is the difference between Argentine Tango and Ballroom Tango?
Argentine and ballroom tango are totally different dances, each with its own distinct body of music and beauty. Ballroom tango is very structured around memorized patterns of steps and is often choreographed and danced either as a performance or in competition. It tends to be very stylized and theatrical.Argentine tango is primarily a social dance. There are no patterns or steps to memorize, rather the entire dance is improvised around basic principles of leading and following. Though it can be choreographed and/or performed in a beautiful and dramatic way, its emphasis is on the potential for intimate connection and communication between partners.
Argentine tango and ballroom tango are completely different dances. Not only do they differ in technique and look, but the music and the way that they are taught is very different. While ballroom tango is taught in a very structured way with specific step patterns to memorize, Argentine tango is more like a complex slow dance. It is completely improvised and the main emphasis in the beginning is leading and following using a more improvisational format as its structure. Both forms can be highly stylized and dramatic but Argentine tango is more dramatic in a sensual and passionate way whereas the ballroom tends be dramatic in a more violent and antagonistic way.
