The 1921 Rudolph Valentino dance scene that made people want to Tango

You don't have to look too far into the history of the Tango to learn that it was originally one of the dances that was considered distasteful, scandalous, and below the high standards of the elite.  In fact, most ballroom dances were considered sinful and were constantly subjected to religious and societal criticisms, including the Waltz.  The Tango comes from Argentinean brothels and back-streets, where men of both the high and low classes could and would disappear into, looking for the company of women who they could pay to dance with, among other things.  As you read through this article, feel free to click on the links provided to fill in the gaps of information.     

The Tango was brought to Paris in 1910 by wealthy Argentinean sons and eventually made its way into theatrical stage productions, thus turning it into an art as apposed to an activity of ill-repute.  By 1913, the Tango had spread to America, and the famous New York City dance instructors Vernon and Irene Castle included their modified version of it into their dance manual, Modern Dancing,  published in 1914.  Although it became an overnight success with the elite who were able to afford dance lessons, it had yet to reach the general population of America...that is until a talented and extremely handsome new star performed it on the big screen.   

In 1919, Rudolph Valentino, a new Hollywood sex symbol, had been working on the movie The Eyes of Youth and was discovered by June Mathis, the head Scenarist for Metro Studios who was currently working on The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921).  Mathis immediately hired Valentino for the part of Julio against the wishes of studio executives.  However, Valentino made such a great impression that his part was expanded to include the famous Tango scene that catapulted the Tango to stardom in the ballrooms and dance halls of America.  Tango has been a standard dance for American ballroom dancers ever since.

There are two great Argentine Tango studios in Orlando.  Click on the links provided below for more information.   Some independent ballroom instructors in the Orlando also teach both the Argentine and Ballroom styles of Tango.

LifeDance International - Winter Garden

El Patio de le Morocha - South Orlando