Researching Alberto Paz

Argentine tango had a huge revival outside of Argentina beginning in 1983 with the success of tango stage productions, such as Tango Argentino, Forever Tango, and Tango x 2,. These popular stage productions encouraged many people to seek out tango dance lessons. In contrast to these stage productions, however; the social tango that Argentines dance in the salons (dance halls) is very different from the acrobatic dance that is often performed on stage. Alberto Paz was one of those Argentines. who taught Argentine tango as a social dance, introducing the dance style of the Buenos Aires tango salons to the world. Alberto and his wife and partner Valorie Hart through their writing and teaching had a strong impact on the growth of salon tango. The following quote from Alberto's tango magazine El Firulete is typical of his position:

The success of Forever Tango and Tango x 2, two critically acclaimed stage shows, has captured the imagination of many people and inspired others to consider tango dancing. Unfortunately, these shows and the ones tourists catch in Buenos Aires, do not have disclaimers that say, “warning, the performers on stage are professionals and they have trained for years to execute the breathtaking choreography you are watching. Please do not attempt to imitate, emulate or try these stunts at home.”

While the Broadway productions stimulated public interest in Argentine tango beginning in 1985, Alberto Paz was one those milongueros who, beginning in 1995, brought the culture, traditions and techniques of salon (social) tango to North America.