Femininity and Argentine Tango - Clichés of Feminism
Femininity and feminism are often considered the same, but these two concepts are very different. Feminism has changed the world as a movement fighting for social change and equality, while femininity, a very external characteristic and partially a behavioral choice, comprises the qualities and characteristics that traditionally describe women.
Social inequality, the injustice that feminism is working to change, has led to many negative female stereotypes and clichés. One way to combat these inaccurate and limiting ideals of femininity is to reclaim them through something powerful, beautiful, and expressive — like the Argentine Tango.
Discussing feminity is not easy even today. Stereotypes and clichés of feminism may still require some clarification or examination. One thing is sure though - dancing can be very powerful in allowing, and even calling, for self-expression. And Argentine Tango, a passionate, elegant, and often sensual dance can definitely help in reclaiming femininity.
Classy Heels is the class where we work on regaining balance and self expression. Memory gets improved too, as well as special awareness. Regaining control over your work-influenced-body is quite liberating.
Femininity and Tango
Argentine tango is a musical genre and a social dance. It traces its roots back to the 19th century to the Buenos Aires suburbs. Stereotypes of femininity date back even further. Throughout history, women have been perceived as delicate, gentle, and weak, being thought of as less intelligent or capable than their male counterparts. These stereotypes influence our social structure and view of the world.
In tango, these stereotypes are challenged.
Women are graceful and beautiful yet fierce and strong. The Argentine Tango provides an expressive outlet for women looking to embrace and explore their femininity while dismantling outdated and harmful stereotypes and clichés.
The conversation around dance has changed a lot over the years, and it is time that you learn more about femininity through the beautiful art of dance. Argentine tango is a vessel through which to harness your inner power. When learning to dance, you will find out exactly how to express that, and you may even discover things you didn’t know about yourself.
Simona, Jan and Svetlana - the tree graces during one of the Milongas at Ultimate Tango
The Art of Dance
Argentine Tango is an art, and it is one that everyone can admire. Like the Mona Lisa or the Statue of David, tango is something universally beautiful. As an art, it is admired around the world and practiced by millions.
By learning to dance, you are becoming part of a movement and a group of strong, confident women that are learning to move in a way that expresses their own unique form of femininity.
The Art of Femininity
Every woman is a work of art and should be appreciated as such. While many women prefer the art display of showing off, Argentine tango lets you express your artful femininity in a subtle yet seductive way.
Behind each woman rises the austere, sacred and mysterious face of Aphrodite. That was the face Zorba was seeing and talking to, and desiring. Dame Hortense was only an ephemeral and transparent mask which Zorba tore away to kiss the eternal mouth.
Learning to dance gives you a canvas for the beautiful work of art that is your femininity, letting you show the world how you move and feel in a way that isn’t obvious or obnoxious.
Larisa had proven several times her artistic creativity and ability to morph into any mood she wishes.
The Harm of Feminism Clichés and Stereotypes
A cliché is an idea or saying that has been so overused it has become trite or irritating. And that’s exactly what feminism clichés are. For centuries, people have judged and ridiculed women, resulting in wave after wave of stereotypical misconceptions about who women are, what they should do, and what they can be capable of.
Here are the most common feminist clichés and stereotypes.
Feminists:
● Hate men
● Aren’t feminine
● Are too opinionated
● Have the same political views
● Think chivalry is sexist
● Whine all the time
● Want to be like men or to be treated like men
● Are too sensitive
● Reject femininity
● Want to liberate women at men’s expense
The choice to act in what is traditionally considered a feminine manner - is just that - a choice. You can see that clearly in the guys who choose to follow. They simply put on the overexaggerated mannerisms and very often it suits them perfectly. The ladies, on the other hand, forbid themselves the power and pleasure of the feminine self-expression in fear of being assigned ‘like a girl’ label.
Feminism and Femininity
While feminism fights to break the societal norms that embrace the stereotypes listed above, feminism is not the same as femininity.
In fact, the feminist movement fights for equality for all people, not just the empowerment of women. Its goal is to make it ok to be a woman that is powerful, sensual, sweet, beautiful, strong, soft, fierce, and everything in between. Feminism also wants those same things for men and people who identify as non-binary.
When viewed in this light, feminism has quite a bit in common with Argentine Tango. This is a dance that requires two people, traditionally a man and woman, who must be both strong and fluid, powerful and delicate, expressive and passionate. It requires balance, and in this balance, femininity is just as powerful and important as masculinity.
Because of the social imbalance in our world and the presence of clichés dictating what femininity can and cannot be, learning the Argentine tango is a perfect way to explore your femininity. It is a dance where women are empowered to be just as strong and fierce as their partners, allowing them to unleash and define their femininity in whatever way feels right.
As WaiLing clearly points out - It’s time! Time for Tango, time for re-discovering yourself.
It’s Time To Put an End To Harmful Clichés
Until today, the gender stereotypes that have formed around femininity have seriously hurt the whole movement from the start. Even so, people who support feminism haven’t let it stop them and continue to fight for equal rights, day in and day out, while keeping true to themselves and what they believe in. They have fought long and hard to get to where they are today and continue to fight for everyone’s right to be treated equally.
At Ultimate Tango, it’s not just about the dance. It’s a life philosophy. It’s a culture that allows us to sway and dance passionately to music while taking us back to basics. These basics include walking and standing correctly, building spatial awareness, using the muscles’ elasticity and flexibility, and gaining the perfect posture.
We also teach more advanced skills such as:
● Moving in perfect synchronization to music.
● Clearly communicating your intentions as well as reading others.
● Working as an individual and as a group.
● Interacting with people regardless of age and gender.
● Learning to respect rules as well as knowing when to break them.
● As well as the forgotten skill of having manners and common sense.
We don’t just teach you how to dance the tango; we teach you how to dance through life.
Take the chance to change your life in more ways than one and sign up today at Ultimate Tango. To get more details on what we do and how we can transform you, email us or explore the courses we offer.