Tango Fusion

fusion [few-zhun] n. A blending of two dance styles or cultures.

Many people began their neotango journey when they discovered that they could also dance tango at events that were primarily aimed at other musical and dance styles. Blues, slow modern jive, and ballroom / latin events all often play perfect neotango music, and so it makes sense that the reverse would also be true. Neotango events - neolongas - are full of music from other traditions, so it is perfectly logical that those dance styles will appear on the dance floor as well.

To anyone whose only experience of social tango has been at a traditional milonga, this can be a big surprise. The traditional tango world has a reputation - often justified - for being a little reluctant to embrace other styles, and so anyone who has come to their first neolonga after having experienced a traditional milonga can be forgiven for thinking it might be a 'tango only!' event.

But neotango was born from fusion, and fusion has remained a part of its DNA ever since. There will be rules, but they are there to make sure everyone has a good time, not to restrict what can and cannot be danced.

The Rules

Tango is a dance that progresses around the room whereas blues or slow modern jive tends to stay in one place, and so to avoid collisions on the dance floor there needs to be rules for 'traffic management'.

These rules will of course be different at every venue so it is worth asking or checking their website, or even just watching other dancers to see what they do, before trying it out. Typically though, a venue might say that whilst tango dancers are progressing around the edge of the room, static dancers should move towards the centre to avoid collisions. There could be an area off to one side that is dedicated to slow jive or blues, or the hall might be divided into two parts.

But whatever the rules, they are there to encourage fusion, not to restrict it.

 

Fusion Freestyles

UK - South East

TangoSynthesis - Monthly Neolongas in Sevenoaks with DJ Graham Guy.


BERSERK - Blues Enthusiasts Resident in the South East Region of Kent.