The tango was first created in the 1890s within the bars and dancehalls of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Astor Piazzolla’s “Libertango” demonstrates the tango’s seductive quality and quick pace. It shows the emotional connection between the dance partners, who both are expressing an idea of romance towards each other. The dancers promote a sensual appeal by wearing revealing attire and heels while performing an intimate dance routine, causing it to be regarded as risqué. The tango’s audience was primarily those who frequented places such as cabarets and bars. Its popularity of practice progressed from lower to higher class as it reached Europe and America. This cultural dance has since been integrated into society through films, festivals, and shows. It has also been adapted into different styles and techniques. The tango ensemble was originally composed of trios, consisting of the violin, flute, and either guitar or accordion. Over time, it has grown into the size of a small orchestra, including more instruments such as the piano and cello. Its social context in present day is still popular, especially within dancers at studios or viewers of T.V. competitions, but is no longer regarded as being controversial or promiscuous.

“The Washerwoman’s Branle” is a Renaissance dance in which the dancers mimic the natural movements of people and animals while positioned in a circle. This dance involves clapping, which mimics the sound of women beating clothes as they did laundry along the Seine River. Other movements include the female dancers with their hands on their hips as the male dancers shake their finger in a scolding manner. During the time period of the Branle, both men and women’s social standing and romantic interests were shown through their ability to dance with each other. Having proper posture, grace, and agility to do fancy footwork were also important characteristics of this time period’s dances. Today’s dance movements are always representative of a person’s social class and education, nor is dance frequently used to court someone. Modern dance also incorporates a wide and uninhibited range of movements, and is not always centered around having a rigid posture. Female dancers were typically dressed in long skirts and heavy undergarments, which contrasts against how today’s dancers dress in clothing that allows flexibility. This piece of music was notated by Thoinot Arbeau, who coordinated the dance steps with the music. Today’s notation involves more specific notes for each dancer and a more complex relationship between the movements and the rhythm.

Ultimately, I think the evolving changes of music and dance are overall positive because there are fewer societal restrictions and boundaries as to whom is able to dance and for what purpose.