Hiroshi Yamao & Kyoko Yamao

Now some of you may not be interested but since my opinion is the only thing that really matters, you’ll just have to bear with me. I LOVE THE TANGO, love, love, love! It’s not just the sinuous sensuality- its the romanticism and the desolation. As such, I was ecstatic to find out that Hiroshi Yamao & Kyoko Yamao - a relatively unknown Japanese couple out tangoed the reigning Argentine champions at the Tango Dance World Championship!

Hiroshi Yamao and  Kyoko Yamao performed what is considered to be the most traditional of Argentine tangos - the  stage tango which features classic tango moves  enhanced with traditional elements of ballet and occasional acrobatics. The  stage tango is closely akin to the original tangos of the 1880’s which mandates that couples can’t separate whilst the music is playing and counterclockwise movement.

I have to mention that my fascination with the tango comes from the fact that it emerged out of a counter culture- it originated in bordellos and was propagated by lusty men waiting for prostitutes- (the men  eventually sought solace from each other).

What pleases me about their victory is that it proves that cultural appropriation is alive and well- i.e immersing oneself into a foreign culture. If you aren’t that familiar with the tango make sure to check out Astor Piazzolla- an incredible pioneer of some of the most haunting tangos you will ever hear. If this piques your interest you might probably be interested in Wong Kar Wai’s Happy Together