It Takes History to Tango

The quintessential Argentine dance, the tango, is often associated with glamorous European-style café society, with the dashing attire and protocol of a bygone era and the sensuality of moving to that unique rhythm. But in fact, tango arose out of a cauldron of cultures and sounds that meshed in the seamy, steaming streets of Buenos Aires in the late 19th Century. European immigrants and descendants of slaves used African drums, German accordions, and Spanish guitars to form the tango, which was originally a dance of power between pimp and prostitute. While keeping its inherent sexuality, the tango morphed into a popular dance for the upper classes and moved on to conquer Paris. Eventually it became a proper genre, with its own professional class of composers and dancers. Luis Bravo wrapped up that history and turned it into the Broadway hit Forever Tango, which comes to the Fillmore Miami Beach for one night only this Saturday. The expansive production includes a huge orchestra and 14 international tango dancers.

Sat., Feb. 11, 8:30 p.m., 2012