For a relatively short documentary, the Heart of Tango does a good job of showing what this dance means to the dancers. To one who dances tango, and has studied anything about the history of this dance, it's not definitive in any sense of the word. But if one just wants to convey a good sense of the dance, in a visually appealing way, this does the job.What you see on Dancing with the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance - is all performance, stage tango which is never done on the social dance floor. The Heart of Tango has a minimum of 'stage tango' and so gives the viewer a much better idea of what social tango actually looks like, although the dancers are stronger and more talented than what you'll usually find on the social dance floor.
For a broader history and look at tango, The Tango Bar, made in Argentina in the late 80's, is wonderful. And if one is inspired to know more, a truly definitive work about tango is Beatrice Dujovne's book, In Strangers Arms. I've read well over thirty non-fiction books about tango and this one is not only truly comprehensive, but beautifully and eloquently written, as well.
But for a quick, visual taste of tango The Heart of Tango is a delight.
For a broader history and look at tango, The Tango Bar, made in Argentina in the late 80's, is wonderful. And if one is inspired to know more, a truly definitive work about tango is Beatrice Dujovne's book, In Strangers Arms. I've read well over thirty non-fiction books about tango and this one is not only truly comprehensive, but beautifully and eloquently written, as well.
But for a quick, visual taste of tango The Heart of Tango is a delight.
