Tango and religion are interconnected. Just like religion has its rituals and rites, the tango dance form needs to follow a specific procedure. The dance form is discernible with its outwards symbols and signs, which are habitually exaggerated and often deceptive.
Dancers view tango as a cult or a way of devotion and worship. She surrenders to music with closed eyes, placing her cheek against his face, who leads her around the room gracefully and with precision. Even if her looks are not equal to conventional beauty, the way she glides on the floor makes her look captivating. The couples are intensely focused and entirely immersed. At that moment, tango is a way of worship for both.
Tango as religion
Every religion needs faith or belief in something, which cannot be proven or disproven. Although the goal of tango towards religion is limited, it needs faith. Devotion and belief that tango –
- It Will Helps to improve
- Can change your life
- Can help to achieve competence
- Is more than physical toil, a route to let stress out
Tango’s passion is about connecting, sharing, and communicating. In terms of technicalities, it is based more on faith and focus to give ourselves, to our partners, to the music, and to the dance.
Tango dancing and the Vatican
Tango originated in Argentina. It was a dance form that people in the slums enjoyed, while the wealthy enjoyed fancy balls. The lyrics tell stories of personal betrayal and social injustice. It documents the lives of working-class citizens of Buenos Aires in a dark sense of humor.
The wealthy and young were fascinated with tango, so they slipped into the ghettos to experience the dance rage. These youngsters traveled to Europe for higher education and brought tango, which was seen popping in 1909. By 1913, the tango craze spread across the world even the US. Curious non-dancers got angry when they saw this new dance.
In the US, priests, rabbis, and ministers started speaking against this immoral dance and it was labeled ad ‘unwholesome degeneracy’. During WWI, tango was an official forbidden dance form. The issue to enforce this ban was Italy had multiple tango fans belonging to the noble class.
Tango and pope
The condemnation of tango is a fascination. Vatican and tango have a contrasting relationship since their ban in the late 16th century. The next time, it was prohibited formally was in the early 20th century [Cardinal of Rome]. In 1914, youngsters from the wealthy family and cardinal of Rome [Merry de Val] hosted a performance for the Pope. Dancers moved around modestly.
Pope Pius X laughed and made fun of this dance trend calling it a boring form. Thus the forbidden dance form got back to its feet. From 1920 to 1950, the popularity of Argentina’s dance gained worldwide popularity.
Paganism and tango
Paganism means nature-worshipping religion. The pagans have faith in several goddesses and gods along with the interaction between human beings and nature. Pagan tango offers more musical depth and appeals to its huge fan base.