Tango x 2 as Su Historia
For the first time in 10 years, Miguel Angel Zotto returned to New York, after a triumphant run in London, with his "Su Historia," a history of the Argentine tango and its masters. More sensual than any other form of pas de deux, the tango, performed in slow 2/4 time with syncopated rhythms, was brought by slaves to Argentina and Uruguay, where it absorbed features of Spanish dance....the habanera and the bolero. American women swooned, in the'20s and '30s at the sight of couples dancing the tango in vaudeville acts, and were enamored by screen star, Rudolf Valentino, who danced a tango (his version) in his Gaucho costume. Eventually the dance became the present ballroom form known across the world and is studied in the simplest to the most complex form. Taught as the national dance in Argentina, the tango is codified yet open to improvisation and choreography.
There was no doubt from the first cross-over with his partner Romina Levin, that Zotto was the master. His confidence, stage presence and musicality made him immediately recognizable, as a member of his Argentine, long family history of tangueros, and as a performer who loves to dance. As choreographer, he has created more than of 90 dances for his company founded in 1988 and he tips his hat to the former maestros of dance, especially to performer Carlos Gardel and composer, Astor Piazolla, with vintage film and voices in his two-act program. "Tango x 2" premiered in 2003 as Zotto's third successful show. The performance includes 7 couples of various personalities, 2 singers and 6 bandoneón musicians. The women's costumes are dazzling. The energy is boundless.
Zotto's personal dance history goes back to 1985 when he appeared in the unforgettable "Tango Argentino"; founded his "Tango x 2," and was propelled into world-wide stardom as he refined the stage presentation of the tango into a new art-form. From its former history in barrooms and brothels in Buenos Aires, it is now a refined, almost elegant, bent-knee, cheek-to-cheek, yet still steamy pas de deux form. It is taught in Buenos Aires, including at the National School of Dances and by a number of former dancers. As the country preserves its legacy, partners are paired in the schools, perform in small venues and tour in the larger professional companies.
In his choreographic enthusiasm and inventiveness, Zotto almost goes over the edge in his show-biz ending, but it is with boundless charm and humor. Hopefully, this presentation has been recorded for archival purposes.
"Tango x 2" tour in Europe but will probably do a cross-country tour in the U.S. next year. For more information contact: www.tangox2.com.