Nuevo Tango: The Evolution of Argentine Music and Dance
Nuevo Tango (New Tango) represents a dynamic shift in both the musical and choreographic traditions of Argentina. Rather than a static genre, it is an ongoing evolution that incorporates modern elements into traditional tango, reflecting the social and cultural changes of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Key Facts
- Nature: Both a musical evolution and a method of dance analysis based on kinesiology.
- Key Figure (Music): Astor Piazzolla, who introduced instruments like the electric guitar and saxophone.
- Key Figures (Dance): Gustavo Naveira and Fabián Salas, founders of the Tango Investigation Group.
- Core Shift: A transition from teaching what to dance (copying steps) to how to dance (understanding physics).
- Modern Era: The rise of "Neotango," which blends acoustic sounds with electronic music.
The Evolution of Tango Dance
Origins and Social Context
Before the 1990s, Argentine tango was taught using a didactic method where students simply copied the instructor's movements without understanding the underlying mechanics. The dance faced a period of decline during the military junta of 1976–83, leaving few professional teachers and discouraging youth participation. However, following the return to democracy in 1983, social restrictions eased, and tango saw a massive resurgence as a symbol of nationalistic pride.
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The Application of Kinesiology
In the 1990s, Gustavo Naveira and Fabián Salas founded the Tango Investigation Group (later Cosmotango) in Buenos Aires. They applied dance kinesiology—the study of the mechanics of human movement—to analyze the physics of Argentine tango. This scientific approach shifted the focus of instruction from formulaic patterns to the exploration of all possible movements within the tango framework.
Cultural Conflict and the Modern Practica
The emergence of this new approach created a generational clash. Traditionalists at the milonga (social dance gatherings) often resisted these changes to preserve the formulaic style. In response, young dancers established the modern practica, such as the influential El Motivo opened in 2004, providing a space for social creativity and experimentation.
Defining "Nuevo Tango" in Dance
There is a significant distinction between how the public and the founders view the term. While many see Nuevo Tango as a specific style of dance, founder Gustavo Naveira argues that it is not a style at all. Instead, he defines it as the general evolution of tango since the 1980s. According to Naveira, any style influenced by the kinesiological analysis of the dance is, by definition, part of the Nuevo Tango movement.
Critiques and Controversies
Not all practitioners embrace the evolution. Some critics argue that the heavy emphasis on physics and technical possibilities has eroded the emotional connection to the music and the traditional essence of the dance. Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli, a prominent practitioner, has expressed concern that newer generations may prioritize eye-catching moves—such as the volcada or colgada (off-axis leans)—over the subtle, intimate moments of the dance for commercial or visual appeal.
Additionally, the traditional cara de tango (the standardized expression of passion) has become less mandatory among professional dancers in social settings, reflecting a broader openness in bodily and facial expression.
The Music of Nuevo Tango
The musical revolution of Nuevo Tango was led by Astor Piazzolla in the 1950s. Piazzolla broke traditional boundaries by introducing the saxophone and electric guitar and implementing complex harmonic and melodic structures. His Quintento Nuevo Tango (1978–1988) and his collaboration with jazz saxophonist Gerry Mulligan on the album Summit were pivotal in bringing the genre global recognition.
Neotango and the 21st Century
In the 21st century, the evolution continued with Neotango. This contemporary form often fuses traditional acoustic tango orchestration with electronic sounds. Artists such as Gotan Project, Bajofondo, and Tanghetto are leading examples of this fusion.
| Category | Traditional Tango | Nuevo Tango / Neotango |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Method | Didactic (copying examples) | Kinesiological (physics of movement) |
| Musical Focus | Traditional orchestration | Harmonic complexity, electronic fusion |
| Dance Philosophy | Formulaic and traditional | Evolutionary and experimental |
| Key Instruments | Bandoneon, Piano, Violin | Saxophone, Electric Guitar, Synthesizers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nuevo Tango a specific style of dance?
While commonly referred to as a style, the founders of the movement, including Gustavo Naveira, maintain that it is not a single style but rather the overall evolution and growth of tango dancing since the 1980s.
Who was the most influential figure in Nuevo Tango music?
Astor Piazzolla was the most important composer, revolutionizing the genre by introducing jazz influences and new instruments like the electric guitar.
What is the difference between Nuevo Tango and Neotango?
Nuevo Tango generally refers to the broader evolution starting in the mid-20th century, while Neotango specifically refers to 21st-century compositions that often blend acoustic tango with electronic music.
How did the teaching of tango change in the 1990s?
Instruction shifted from a didactic approach (copying the teacher) to an analytical approach based on dance kinesiology, focusing on how and why the body moves.
What are some examples of Neotango artists?
Prominent Neotango artists include Gotan Project, Bajofondo, Tanghetto, and Federico Aubele.