BWW Dance Review: Celebrating Women in Tango with GLAMOUR TANGO

On Sunday, October 23rd, 2016, acclaimed pianist and Music Director Polly Ferman and the Glamour Tango ensemble brought together an all-female multi-media music and dance performance to pay homage to women who quietly wrote the pages of Tango from the very beginning. In this one-night only engagement at Le Poisson Rouge, audiences were exposed to the art of Tango from the Rio de la Plata region in South America in a different light.

Going in as someone who is unfamiliar with the art form, outside what has been seen on television and the movies, this was a great entry point and way to learn about the historical context and cultural significance of tango. As is true of much of the culture, food, and art found in the Americas is a result of a melting of various people coming together from different parts of the world, the region of Rio de la Plata (parts of Argentina and Uruguay) is no different. It is a mix of the European influence- mostly Italian and Spanish men- with the sounds of the violin and guitar of flamenco, Argentine folk music and dance, and African candombe rhythms. As the European men settled in a number of ports, there were very few women around. Tango developed as a "mating dance" between the barmaids and their male customers in shady night clubs. The men would learn the dance from each other as a way to win the attention of a woman.

Because of its origins in the "sleezy" nightclub life, tango was rejected by the upper class and was seen as a dance that "good girls" just don't do as was explained by Ferman in her opening speech as well as the short film that was shown. Despite the murky beginnings of tango and the low view society had of the women who danced it, Ferman and Glamour Tango, pay homage to these women in a way that showcases femininity as elegant, fun, and strong.

As I watched the performance, I thought it was absolutely wonderful! What a talented group of women. I have seldom heard such beautiful music and seen such talented dancers. It was just amazing. These women are so fierce it is unbelievable! The musicians were great, the dancers were stunning, and the vocalist was fantastic. The last number brought the crowd to their feet asking for an encore!

I applaud Ferman for taking on such a task. She takes something that can be looked upon as negative, and demonstrates that music and dance from the Rio de la Plata can be enjoyed in a different perspective while staying true to the essence of tango. I know everyone in the packed house, including myself, loved every moment of the program.

I personally believe that it is important to be exposed to various dances from different cultures- especially from folks that are different from you. It builds mutual respect and appreciation among people. This was a great first experience for me, and I promise it won't be the last!

Photo Credit: Romina Levin

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