2601  Styles, Names Mixtures , confusion as seen by an old man.

Date: Sat, 31 Jul 2004 00:24:58 +0000
From: Sergio Vandekier <sergiovandekier990@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Styles, Names Mixtures , confusion as seen by an old man.

There were 4 identified basic different styles in the neighborhoods during
the popular period of tango till 1960. I possess documents and reports of
these facts.

I saw those 4 basic styles being danced, as a boy, during the 40s. and I
learned their names.

It was not till the 50s. that I danced tango for the first time.

TANGO DE SALON = TANGO LISO: Walking in different ways, WITHOUT FIGURES OR
BODY CONTACT ( It was not what we know today as " open embrace" . It was
done with minimal body separation, feet were not lifted from the floor.

"APILADO": MANY PEOPLE CALL THIS STYLE MILONGUERO nowadays. Those that were
in tango from birth never used that name since we had "MIlongueros" at least
since 1872.

Apilado is the most modern style. It was born much later, downtown (first
document dates from 1928). Apilado is the culmination of the 4 evolving
styles.

Canyengue was danced before with a different apilado.

The word 'Milongueros" was used in reference to all dancers of tango,
irrelevant of the style they used since 1870. This is the reason the old
milongueros smile when they hear the term "Milonguero Style".

I am a 'porten`o somewhat old. My intention has been to share some of
thetraditions of Buenos Aires without modifications or additions.

I have in my possession documents to prove what I am reporting.

I hope that a kind soul translates this into English so that the friends
that dance all over the world can share the memories of somebody who does
not want to "improve" tango.

Cordially, Ruben "Milonga"
Milonguero

I was Professor at the "Buenos Aires Tango University"
Historian and investigator

I will neither discuss nor answer any E-Mails re: to this subject.

I will welcome any documentation or reports on their existence.