Flashdance, a photo from Buenos Aires, South

Photographer's Note

The Buenos Aires neighborhood of San Telmo is one of the city's busiest tourist destinations because of its reputation as the 'real' Buenos Aires; one of its founding areas, it is the home of much colonial era architecture and a place where people can come to see 'authentic' Argentine culture. With nothing is this more true than with tango, a dance which originated in Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and the Rio de la Plata region as a mix of European and African slave dance styles. It has become intimately connected with Buenos Aires society, and remains a signature style in the city.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Buenos Aires is a meal and a tango show, and it's one that we sought out (mostly, I have to say, at the urging of my wife). We wound up at a small cafe in San Telmo's main square, the Plaza Dorrego, and had a decent meal; not long into it, the two people pictured showed up, did a 15 minute tango exhibition, passed a hat around for tips, and then were off in a flash to the next place, where they presumably did the same show. There were many cafe's and restaurants in the square advertising tango, and my guess is that this couple did shows in all of them, in a row, at peak times. They were fairly good and put on a nice show, one moment of which I captured here.

holmertz, No_One, Glint, aliabazari has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

lousat (129831) 2012-08-10 5:58

Hi Andrew,there is all the argentinian juice on this pic,who say tango say Argentina! And this is a beautiful way to take this typical dance,a great class in your composition and a magnificent background too.Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

rbellemare (2109) 2012-08-10 6:48

Hi Andrew,

Argentina without Tango isn't Argentina. I like this picture a lot. The couple seem to be doing a very nice presentation. The movement is visible through the leg of the female dancer and the tension of the dance can be feel at the look of both dancers. The brick wall and posters do make a good background and give some colours to it all.

Bravo

Rйjean

mjw364 (1466) 2012-08-10 7:12

Hi Andrew

Well a great moment captured... the overall composition with the position of the dancers to the left third and the backdrop of the wall... the picture of the guy looking down at them really adds something... I can see the passion in the woman's face but the guy seems to be focusing more on his footwork than the woman - as I would be coz I can't dance to save my life! The passion is nonetheless captured!

Great opportunity taken - shows your passion and dedication to photography - especially if you were having a romantic meal with your wife at the time! Ha ha!

holmertz (92724) 2012-08-10 7:49

Hello Andrew,
A nice picture. "Well balanced" would be a compliment to your composition as well as the performing couple who seem to know the routines well and won't step on each other's feet. The large photo of a smoking man fits my idea of the atmosphere in this kind of place very well.
Regards,
Gert

Highmountains (2674) 2012-08-10 10:38

The photograph captures the mood of the moment. The photograph on the wall of the man smoking - simply adds to it. In fact the romanticism of the place - the surroundings, the brick lines walls, the glass of the advertising - is captured by the colour and tone of the picture. The focal point - the tango dancers - are taken in a sharp moment of a twist and their black clothes contrasts with the sensuousness of their skin.
Excellent take & Thanks for sharing.

Waylim (25436) 2012-08-11 11:54

Hi Andrew,

Very nice shot of tango dancers performing. When I was here it was such a shot time, and one afternoon it was pouring down so I didn't really get to see much of Buenos Aires as I would have like. The background give this shot a more interesting composition and strong impression with the different posters.

Way

No_One (4) 2012-08-12 5:44

Hi Andrew
I love the expressions you have caught on their faces, it suits the overall mood of the picture brilliantly. Composition and background are excellent, and your lighting is great, it looks like the light here was difficult. Great image.
Best wishes
NOel

Glint (6171) 2012-08-14 1:28

Hello Andrew,
you have managed the light very well here to produce and appealing image.I like the composition with the dancers on one side allowing us to also see something of the setting and get a feel for the ambience. I love to see photos of dancers and especially of the tango as it is creates such sensual images.
best regards,
Bev
ps You should take the hint from your wife and take up dancing the tango. I am sure she would appreciate it.
pss I have added this to my group "Come Dancing" theme. I hope that's ok with you.

ryno (6863) 2012-08-18 11:15

Lovely sensual image. You've placed your subjects very well, leaving a clear view of the interesting posters and wall mountings. The blurred flash of leg contrasts nicely with the sharpness of their faces and this hint of movement makes the image come to life, as befits a photo illustrating a dance studio. Great capture.
Ryno

aliabazari (18418) 2012-09-21 13:48

Hi Andrew
Tango dance is very beautiful and attractive and I like it very much. The beauty of the human body, where it is displayed and is very refreshing. Mix well with a nice background.
Thank you for registering for this image.

jmdias (102710) 2012-10-03 7:36

andrew

it is difficult to take good images of personages moving so fast like this. I liked the moment caught here and the elements in the background too.

hugs

jorge

bachapi (369) 2012-10-09 4:29

Really great composition, very poetic! Nice shot Andrew.

Miguel82 (47106) 2013-03-25 12:23

Argentinian tango is one of the most difficult couple dance to practice, you have captured very well the action of the characters, good pov, fine colors
I like the boards in the background giving some decoration of your composition
Have a great evening