There is no doubt that a man in tango is male and macho. Tango is a product
of popular Argentine Culture, the same as Jazz, Fox-trot or Swing are
artistic manifestations of its American counterpart.
Tango, in that sense, is a reflection of Argentinean spiritual values; values
that are to some extent still prevalent in an attenuated way.
To be macho the Argentinean way is to be self confident, to be certain of
where a man stands and where he is going. He is in charge, he is reliable
and accepts responsibility. He cares for the well-being, safety and
happiness of his woman.
When walking on the side-walks he allows the lady the inner side, the side
closer to the wall and away from the street for her protection. He enters
the milonga holding her hand in a ceremonious way and allows her to walk in
front following the maitre to the table. There he grants her the area behind
the table as he sits to the side with his legs exposed. He passes his arm
across her shoulders for everybody to know that he is in charge of all her
needs.
When dancing, he acts with conviction, poised and certain of his role. He
leads.
He talks for some time awaiting to get the feeling of the music. He
initiates the embrace allowing her to decide how close she wishes to be. The
musics evokes in his mind the moves of the dance, he leads by transferring
that feeling to her. He is always in charge, moves through the floor
effortlessly, without interfering or disturbing the other couples. Navigates
with grace and determination. He makes sure that she is enjoying the moment.
He allows time for her artistic expression, is attentive to her spiritual
and physical needs.
After the music stops, he holds her in his arms for a few more moments, like
the real treasure that she is. Then he walks slowly to the table allowing
her to walk in front. He pays for all the expenses, never allowing a lady to
pay for anything.
He is happy to be male, she is happy to be female. Both are equal in their
relationship. They do not compete - rather co-operate; they walk hand in hand
helping and respecting each other. The strength of the woman is in her
femininity, something mysterious that the man treasures and respects. His
strength is in his masculinity, something different that she also respects.
Yes, some Argentinean men may object to a woman taking a lead role. They
may strongly dislike such behavior. Most Argentinean women will as well.
Tango then reflects the cultural elements of Argentinean society at the time
of its evolution. Even when some of those values are rapidly disappearing,
they are still alive and prevalent in the tango world. It is my impression
that they are some of the strongest attractions to the modern couples, a
place where for an instant the man and the woman can still be masculine and
feminine without further consequences.
