Tango is an unspoken language where two bodies come together in a sensual dance. Accompanied by haunting and dynamic music, it tells tales of love, loss and longing. The captivating art form is about to cross the Atlantic and come to you straight from Barrio de Palermo in Argentina, thanks to the fascinating “We Call It Tango” show in Chicago.
These performances are set to take place at the Arts Center of Oak Park, a prime example of Neoclassical architecture. With such an incredible venue, as well as gifted dancers and musicians, it’s looking to be an amazing evening of music and dance, so secure your spot now for places are limited.
What is “We Call It Tango”?
“We Call It Tango” is a unique show made up of three acts. It combines 13 popular tangos and milongas performed by a talented pianist and a gifted bandoneon player with passionate dances. The performance is an ode to the feeling and sensitivity of the authentic Argentine tango, so you can expect to see many ochos (figure eights), planeos (pivoting on one leg with the other leg stretched out) and lustradas (rubbing of foot up and down partner’s leg) on the stage.
Tango, its music and the show
From “Por Una Cabeza” by the legendary King of Tango Carlos Gardel to “Milonga, Vieja Milonga” popularized by Orquesta Juan D’Arienzo, hear some of the most iconic songs and compositions from the Golden Era of tango in a new light.
Additionally, seeing as the genre has changed immensely since its humble beginnings in the 19th century, “We Call It Tango” in Chicago is also recreating tangos written by Astor Piazzolla. Starting off with the melancholic notes of “Adiós Nonino”, composed shortly after his father’s death. And followed by “Libertango”, one of the fine examples of tango nuevo, where the Argentinian composer and bandoneon player adds new instruments in the orchestra, including electric guitars and basses and deconstructs the traditional compass.
“We dance a solitude that we have inside us and cannot occupy with anything. This gap, that emptiness to which we put movement is the TANGO.” – Carlos Gavito
You’ll become the regular tanguero after you witness the expressive movements of the show’s talented dancers and hear the wailing sound of the bandoneon. And “it takes two to tango” so bring a friend or that special someone to get the most of the experience.
There are two shows set for 6:00 and 9:00 pm at the Arts Center of Oak Park so you can choose the one that best fits your schedule, but doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance. And if you love this experience, you can also check out other events that are part of “We Call It Performing Arts” in Chicago.