I started learning tango and Spanish language in the same time.
I had a long experience living in Buenos Aires and with the time,
also with some friends’ help,
I started to be interested in understanding tango lyrics.
In many cases words and phrases are written and sang using LUNFARDO
which is a way of speaking mixing Italian and other languages
born during the big immigration in the end of XIX century and became very used in tango.
Knowing and speaking Spanish languages
helps to understand but most likely not enough due to that particular way of speaking.
Back then, spontaneous questions came in my mind.
How much is important understanding tango lyrics?
How are they able to influence our dance?
Do we listen to them or do we just focus on the music whenever we dance?
I think that understanding the meaning of words make actually a big difference.
At least in my personal learning process I could catch the importance of understanding what a tango says.
We are able to connect words with the possibility to feel emotions and share them with our partner. The tone of the embrace, maybe a pause, the density, different qualities in a step or in a movement are connected not only with the music but also, in a deep way, with words.
Being able to listen to the music is already a big step forward.
Yet, knowing lyrics as well makes us understanding the meaning of that step.
I invite you to a small experiment with your partner. I
n the next practica dance a tango that you don’t know the words.
Then try to translate the lyrics into your language and dance it again.
GIANPIO CAPPUCCI