Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium Friday 16 & Saturday 17;
Yuen Long Theatre Auditorium Sunday 18

How will the first tango in Hong Kong compare to the last tango in Paris? We expect a less sultry but still passionate display of the ravishing dance when Argentine company Tango-A-Tierra comes to town. Executive producer Rachel Greenberg claims that the upcoming three performances and instructional workshop celebrate the essence of tango.

“All the footwork is very grounded to the earth, to the dance floor,” explains Greenberg, a professional tango dancer. “This is why we call the show Tango-A-Tierra. There is a tendency now for dance to show a lot of acrobatic moves in performances. We wanted to return to the roots, which is something very intimate between the dancers and the audience.”

Greenberg thinks that tango, now entering its second century and instantly recognisable for its close holds and theatrical stepping patterns, is more appealing than ever. “In modern life, people don’t have much contact with each other. Tango is a way of communicating. It’s like a conversation without words where you can express your feelings.”

The two-hour programme enacts stories illustrating how tango boomed in popularity during the 1940s and 50s, with scenes both humorous and dramatic. “There is a lot of acting – it’s not just a couple dancing on the stage showing off the moves.” A live orchestra accompanies the dancers, so performances present layers of aesthetic charm for audience members, says Greenberg. “It’s very elegant and the music is beautiful and versatile. It’s not just one type of rhythm. This is why people like tango.”

The programme hasn’t changed much since co-directors and principal dancers Guillermo Salvat and Silvia Grynt formed the company in their native Argentina in 2005. What does evolve, however, is their ambitious travelling schedule: the cast have performed in South Africa, Brazil, Russia, and, most recently, Italy.

The cast features first-class dancers, many with folkloric dance experience. “All the dancers are currently working in the best shows in Buenos Aires and have a lot of stage experience,” says Greenberg. “They come from the roots of dance. They’re the best of the best.”

Not surprisingly, she has high hopes for this engagement. “Couples dancing is very popular in Asia. There is a nice community of dancers and teachers in Hong Kong that is very well-developed.” And Greenberg encourages tango-lovers from the accomplished to the novice to hit the dance floor long after the company glides back home. “It’s a very social experience. Dance unites people and cultures. If you get to know the language you can communicate with anyone anywhere.”

Bong Miquiabas