Cool Stuff 2

The History of The Tango

I chose this page and photo because I think the tango is a gorgeous fascinating dance. Its history is also very interesting. It's most commonly associated with Argentina (Latin America), although it was seems to have Spanish and African influences. The story I have heard about the tango is something like this: The popularity of this dance stemmed from the Argentine brothels. There was a shortage of women in Argentina, so the brothels became very popular with live music. There men would dance while together while waiting for... what they came for. If you read the article you will get a clearer and better idea of the tango.

Watch the Tango

This dance looks so technical, and of course the dance would be much less interesting without the music. My knowledge about the original instruments used for tango music is only what I read on Wikipedia. I read that originally portable instruments were most common, and I know that I have usually always heard violins. Look at instrument that seems like an accordion - it is called a Bandoneon.

Gauntanamer

My stepmom likes to call this song "One Ton Tomato." I think it's fun and catchy song that has potential to be stuck in your head. Wikipedia says this is possibly Cuba's most famous song. I heard it performed in Mexico. I have fond memories and definitely think of it as cool stuff! I heard it played on the acoustic guitar like this. The lyrics are very nice:

I am an honest man
From where the palm tree grows
And before dying I want
To share the verses of my soul.

My verse is a clear green
And it is flaming crimson
My verse is a wounded deer
Who seeks refuge in the woods.

I cultivate a white rose
In July as in January
For the sincere friend
Who gives me his honest hand.

And for the cruel one
who would tear out this heart with which I live
I do not cultivate nettles nor thistles
I cultivate a white rose

With the poor people of the earth
I want to share my fate
The brook of the mountains
Gives me more pleasure than the sea