Candombe is a traditional music form in which 'comparsas' are called in to play the candombe, a musical genre that originated in Africa and was brought to South America by slaves. Each December the Llamada de Candombe echoes through San Telmo, where hundreds if not thousands dance.
Jacinta Young documents all the different forms dance she’s encountered in her last two years of living in Buenos Aires.
LIVING IN a house that’s also tango school, I was introduced to Queer Tango — men dancing with men, women with women. One appealing aspect of this form is that it allows both women and men to choose to be the follower or to lead.
Through exploring queer tango, I discovered Grupo Alma and Danza Integradora. The former is a professional dance group and the latter, a weekly class at IUNA (National University of the Arts). They both integrate people with differing capacities through dance. I have photographed the group and workshops and the pure soul and fluidity that radiates from the artists, whether they are dancing tango from a wheelchair or leaping through the air, is completely engrossing.
I’ve also headed to the magnificent Teatro Colón to catch the ballet, camera in hand, as well as throughout the city in search of folklórico, candombe, and salsa. Enjoy the mix of styles in the shots below.
1
Salsa
Salsa is found in bars and clubs throughout Buenos Aires. Cuba Mia and Azucar offer classes.
2
Salsa
Argentines compete against dancers from all over the country and the world. From ballroom dancing to salsa to tango and more, there are international events all year long.
3
Ballet
In the summer there are outdoor performances of ballet, theatre and tango in Parque Centenario.
The magnificent and world famous Teatro Colón was opened in 1908. It plays host to an ever-changing lineup of guest performers and dancers along with local lyric and ballet companies.
5
Candombe
Candombe has a carnival–like atmosphere with dancers decked in sparkly outfits. A full candombe group, collectively known as a comparsa lubola or candombera, comprises the cuerda—a group of female dancers and several stock characters, each with their own specific dances. Classes are available at the Centro Cultural Fortunato Lacamera in San Telmo.
6
Candombe
Candombe is a traditional music form in which 'comparsas' are called in to play the candombe, a musical genre that originated in Africa and was brought to South America by slaves. Each December the Llamada de Candombe echoes through San Telmo, where hundreds if not thousands dance.
7
Danza Integradora
Classes are run weekly by the founder, Professora Susana González Gonz, and a passionate group of volunteers at the dance college of IUNA. The classes are open to the public each Saturday morning from 10–12 for regulars and drop-ins alike, and the pure energy, joy and honesty that emanates from the dancers in these classes is profoundly inspiring.
Danza Integradora began in Argentina in 1991 after the first workshop on inclusive dance with wheelchairs. The seminar was the impetus for a project called Everyone Can Dance, proving that dance has the power to connect people.
9
Grupo Alma
Grupo Alma have travelled extensively throughout Argentina and Latin America, changing the public perception of disability. The soul (alma), the passion, fluidity, and joy of the dancers together on stage is a really moving and unique experience.
10
Grupo Alma
In 1996, Grupo Alma formed -- the first dance company to pioneer the concept of 'integrated dance'. The group is comprised of dancers with different capacities. Their mantra: Everyone Can Dance. Through their performances, the group aims to raise awareness of integration, human rights, art, and disability.
11
Chacarera
The chacarera is a folk dance in which male dancers circle their female partners, seducing them with foot stomping and handkerchief waving. If you want to see this traditional dance in the street (and participate if you’re game), grab some silk hankies and head to the Feria de Mataderos on Sundays.
Folk dancing (folklórica) encompasses many different styles that hail from the country (el campo) in the North of Argentina. Similar in style to many other Latin cultures' folk dances, there is a vast array of styles, and often the dancers will be decked out in traditional clothing such as frilly dresses for the girls and gaucho gear for the boys. In contrast to tango it is generally noisy, boisterous, fun and vibrant.
13
Tango Queer
Queer tango festivals have also sprung up such as the week-long Queer Tango Marathon, which culminates in a 42 hour, 19 minute, 50 second nonstop marathon with couples dancing continuously around the clock. Men dance with men, women with women, women with men and men with women. Be you gay or gay-friendly, this is a place to hit for lovers of tango.
14
Queer Tango
Queer Tango has an ever growing, cult popularity with well established Milongas such as La Marshall or Tango Queer, attracting a mix of adoring professionals and daring beginners alike. Both men and women, locals and foreigners come together on the dance floor in the neighbourhoods of San Telmo and Congreso to seduce and be seduced to the sounds of tango. You may also spy dance instructors testing out new contemporary moves that keep the art of tango ever-evolving.
