In Strangers' Arms: The Magic of the Tango

by Beatriz Dujovne

The tango is easily the most iconic dance of the last century, its images as familiar as an old friend. But are they the whole story? Peeling back the poster propaganda that has always characterized the tango publicly, this intimate study shows the invisible heart of the dance and the culture that raised it. Drawing on direct experience and conversations with dancers, it reveals much about the role of the tango in Argentinean culture. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may .

Genres: Nonfiction

232 pages, Paperback

First published July 19, 2011

Reviews

[Udai · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful.

[Mihir T Desai · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was somewhere between Thompson's research treatise and Katya Kasabova's social commentary -- an academic read and sociological observation. In the end it felt neither. The book delivered one message through anecdotes and well researched culture snippets : savor Tango, people, but don't forget the local roots of this global dance. Dujovne is American-Argentinian, a voluntary displaced emigrant. And given that Argentinians are displaced Europeans, as she points out, this just puts her in a tizzy -- something that an increasingly number of dispossessed exiles around the world can relate to. The author points out that while Tango is a global language, it is Argentine's gift to the world. She goes into detail on illustrative neighborhoods, people and interactions that she argues are woven into the language of the music and the dance. Little surprise that the historical society for preservation of the dance in Argentina considered the book part of its collection. I would recommend it to Tangueros and those serious about the social cultural roots of the dance, perhaps right before the first trip to Buenos Aires.

[Ramya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay it's more like a 3.5 that I'm rounding up to 4 -- because I love tango and she obviously loves/lives tango! I think section III with a historic but intimate discussion of the poetry of tango is the best I think -- she even brings a little female chagrin to how women are portrayed in many tango songs but keeps it level-headed and makes you understand why the ideal woman changed over time in Tango as the world around it changed. Section II on important tango districts is second best. The first person narrative of Section I I found very interesting for her women's perspective on going to milongas and her feelings -- like the "shoulder to cry on" lady of the powder room who you can pour your frustrations and desires not met on the floor to and receive a truly sympathetic hug from but then, lady-like, put back not only your "face"/makeup but your self-confidence and walk back out to face those strangers you so desperately feel drawn to and would like to dance with!

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatriz Dujovne, the author of this book is a tango gypsy herself. Born in Buenos Aires and an American citizen, she comes the closest to capturing the spell the this dance casts on its practitioners.
She interviews a series of varying participants in the international world of tango gypsies and each of them recounts a new and fascinating experience of the meditative, otherworldly trance that dancing the tango can occasionally deliver.
I recommend this book very highly, it will come as close as possible to making you experience the joys and deliverances of the tango.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most complete and thoughtful book I've read (of dozens) about the experience of Argentine tango written by a milonguera (social tango dancer) who is also interested in the culture of tango, which includes but is not limited to its music, poetry, history, social context, geography and psychology. Tango is often characterized as an obsession or an addiction; Beatriz Dujovne helps the reader understand why, with passion and impeccable scholarship.

[Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only recently started ballroom dancing classes. I have gotten a small taste of the Tango from the lessons. I love this beautifully written book. It has stoked a small interest in this dance into a much larger desire to learn more. I must explore this dance more fully. This is not a how-to book.

[JoAnn Milivojevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

A must read for any tango lover new old or in between. Let your self enjoy these pleasures as it lights up not just you but those in your company too