[Tango-L] alternative tango

[Deby Novitz]

 I would agree with Jackie.  Not only is it really not here, it is not 
really liked.  First as one who dances salon tango, I love tango 
electronica music.  When I try to play it in my house, my friends have 
multiple heart failures.  I am not only talking about my friends in the 
50s and up, I am also talking about my friends who are in their 20s, 
30s.  They still prefer the "traditional" tangos.

Yes, there are about 4 - 7 practicas where the newer music is played, 
but at last count there were 135 milongas (not counting practicas) in 
Buenos Aires.  Most of the locals consider it music and dance for 
foreigners. To be exact - they say for "export". (This includes my 
non-dancing friends) For whatever reason people in the U.S. like to 
persist in thinking that there is this new large movement here of young 
people who are going to change the traditional tango.  While tango like 
all dances, like all things really, continues to evolve, I really do not 
think that you are going to see salon tango give way to tango nuevo and 
tango electronica.  It may find its place, as it has, in practicas, and 
smaller venues.

We are seeing younger people in classes and milongas who want to learn 
how to dance salon style.  Their desire is not coming from pushy parents 
(who more than likely do not dance), it is coming from a pride of 
heritage more than anything.  Something that is not a part of tango nuevo.