Episode 8

In the last episode, we explored the variety of choices that tango music offers, reflecting different eras and cultural shifts.  

Today, I want to dive deeper into this idea, this time using the beautiful vals 𝑺𝒐ñ𝒂𝒓 𝒚 𝒏𝒂𝒅𝒂 𝒎á𝒔, which was recorded multiple times by different orquestas:  

• 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒐 (1943) 

• 𝑨𝒏í𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒐 (1943) 

• 𝑨𝒍𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒐 𝑫𝒆 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒔 (1944) 

• 𝑴𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒍ó (1965) 

Each version has its own mood and character—some more romantic, others more rhythmic. Exploring them can help you find the one that best fits your tanda or the atmosphere of your event.  

Unlike the 𝑽𝒊𝒆𝒋𝒂 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒂 versions we discussed in the last episode, where each take had a clear place on the dance floor, this time I find myself hesitant to use the 𝑴𝒊𝒈𝒖𝒆𝒍 𝑪𝒂𝒍ó version for dancing. Why? The introduction feels more suited to a romantic movie than a vals that invites me to dance. As a dancer, the first few seconds of a track often determine whether I step onto the floor or stay in my seat. In this case, the music doesn’t truly pull me in until around the 0:14 mark. As a DJ, I’m faced with a choice: do I play the full track, or start from the moment I think will best serve the dancers? This is a common dilemma, and one we’ll explore in more depth in future episodes. Additionally, the tempo of Caló’s version feels too fast for comfortable dancing, making it a track I’d rather enjoy in a listening session than at a milonga.  

On the other hand, 𝑪𝒂𝒏𝒂𝒓𝒐’𝒔 version feels too heavy and slow for my personal taste as a vals for dancing, yet I find it charming in its own way. Instead of using it in a regular tanda, I’d save it for a special moment—like a birthday vals, where dancers have ample space to celebrate with the guest of honor.  

Finally, the 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒐 and 𝑫𝒆 𝑨𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒔 versions stand out as the best choices for dancing. Troilo’s vals, with its slower pace, works beautifully toward the end of an event, while De Angelis’ high energy makes it perfect for the peak of the night.  

As a rule of thumb, I always try dancing with my partner to each version of a tango or vals before deciding how it will fit on the dance floor. 

#tango, #TangoArgentino, #tangodancer, #milonga, #milonguero, #tangodj