Tango’s origins sizzle when 12 native Argentinean dancers of the international troupe Tango Buenos Aires warm up Columbus as they bring the energy of Latin culture to the Ohio Palace Theatre.
Incorporating music and style of the Argentinean culture, Tango Buenos Aires’ “The Golden Age of Tango” showcases an entertaining evening on multiple levels.
“The greatest strength of the show is the dancing and music — it’s very complicated and intricate. It’s very interesting to the listener,” said Marya Glur, tour director for Tango Buenos Aires.
The native Argentinean performers portray the sights, sounds and passion of the tango through the dance’s complicated rhythms. The women’s dresses range from tight and seductive to provocative and flowing.
“All the girls have slits up to the hip,” Glur said.
The show celebrates tango’s origins. Women adorned in tight corsets with revealing skirts shimmer, glitter, and promenade across the ballroom floor, all to the sounds of the single vocalist within the troupe.
“It’s very sexy — extremely sexy,” she said.
The tango, originating from the bordellos and docks in Argentina, is notorious for the intimate stances dancers take with one another. As the dance’s origins moved beyond prostitutes, it gained attention and acclaim among the upper classes. Now, the tango is a renowned, passionate and sophisticated dance that heats up the night — which is what Tango Buenos Aires aims to do for the Palace Theatre.
“People can be inspired, it’s a very passionate and sensual dance — it’s a happy dance in spite of the words,” said Lucrecia Laurel, assistant to the district director.
On its second U. S. tour, Tango Buenos Aires has earned global praise as an international troupe, having performed in Finland, Australia, China and Canada.
When the troupe takes the stage, it may depict men dancing with men or scenes from “Cabaret” of men dancing with prostitutes, all accompanied by the dance’s diverse rhythms. A six-piece band and single vocalist take the viewer into the heart of Cabaret, where machismo and sensuality prevail.
“People came up with a new tyope of dance and music from the fusion of cultures — a new thing was created,” Laurel said.
“This is their second tour of the US, I love the people — they’re great and wonderful people,” Glur said.
Tango Buenos Aires, a one-night performance at Palace Theatre, offers half-price admission of $10 for students with a valid college ID. Tickets can be picked up at the Palce Theatre box office prior to the show.
