DO YOU TANGO?

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1249, 26 March 1914, Page 35

DO YOU TANGO?

THE REAL THING.

Some people’s idea of the “Tango” is on a par with the old lady who asked at her grocer’s for “a pound of the tango tea that everyone is talking about.” To throw a little light on the subject, the George Willoughby firm have sent along in conjunction with their “Aladdin” Pantomime Company two expert tangoists, who have been specially engaged from abroad —Mr. Fred Oswald and Miss Margot Maurice. The tango originated in the Argentine, many years ago. Thence its popularity spread to Paris, where it was danced in the cabarets and cafes

—with plenty of latitude. It was danced in England for the first time about four years ago, in the production of “The Sunshine Girl,” with G'eorge Grossmith and Phyllis Dare as the exponents. “The tango,” said Mr. Oswald to a “Review” representative, ‘is meant for the ballroom. It is not a stage dance. It loses its identity on the stage. But we give it there to show the steps to the best advantage. Some people confuse the tango with ragtime. But it is quite distinct. The tango is danced to slow- Spanish music, and the ragtime—well, you know what ragtime music is.” “The music is a most important feature of the tango,” Miss Maurice interpolated; “in fact, if the music is no good it’s hopeless to try and tango. It is the very soul of the dance.” An Adelaide man of the cloth recently called it “the latest heresy in dancing” and a few other things. But he had not watched Mr. Oswald and Miss Maurice. And the tango, like other innovations, can have base imitations.

“Some people seem to have been labouring under the delusion that the tango was another name for risque,” said Miss Maurice. “And they have

come expectantly and left—disappointed. I like to disappoint people with minds like that! But of course a dance is what you make it, whether it’s a waltz or a polka. It always depends on the dancers. It is just a matter of temperament.” Miss Maurice “tangoes” in an alluring confection of crepe de chine in a shade (to quote the wearer) resembling a tired chili! The draped skirt has a tunic of black tulle edged with fur, and the corsage is similarly finished. This is set off with a remarkable headdress consisting of a jewelled bandeau mounted with a stately aigrette. “The tango is most fascinating,” enthused Miss Maurice. Interpreted by such an artiste it could not be otherwise. Those who are still speculating can set their minds at rest by participating in the tango teas on Tuesday and Friday afternoons at His Majesty’s Theatre.