Feel the rhythm of Tango Moderno

The company, photograph taken by Manuel Harlan

Opera House Manchester presents a magnificent show, ‘Tango Moderno’, the contemporary form of Tango developed in Argentina and Uruguay from the mid-19th century. Since then, it has taken different approaches.  However, what does Tango look like today in the UK?

Stars of Strictly Come Dancing Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone are the main characters in this spectacular show. Unfortunately, Vincent Simone was not able to perform on the night we attended as he is currently recovering from an injury. Despite that, two professional dancers Pasquale La Rocca and Leonel Di Cocco came in and together with Flavia and the company brought a breath-taking show.

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, photograph taken by Manuel Harlan

Tango Moderno is a mixture of traditional ballroom tango as well as different types of dance, such as modern contemporary dance. Tango dance was full of emotions and passion across all the different scenes.

This show will make you laugh and potentially even cry. It brings together different people and young couples at various stages of their lives, showing their journey.

Singer Tom Parsons is linking diverse scenes together by giving a short talk to the audience in between the scenes. He then sings current hits whilst the dance company performs.

A scene when Tom Parsons was singing a track by Lukas Graham “7 years” was quite emotional as the song progressed.  Four dancers on the bench were dancing to the lyrics of the song. The meaning of the single is very strong itself, especially when Tom Parsons is referring to the four boys when he is singing ‘I hope my children come and visit once or twice a month’.

Another emotional moment occurred during “A house is not a home”. A young man comes back to his house where there is no one waiting for him. He sits down, opens a bottle of wine and eats microwave food on his own. It brought some of the audience into tears.

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, photograph taken by Manuel Harlan

There are many romantic scenes in the play especially with the main couple who is dancing along modern songs in the rhythm of tango throughout the whole time.

The show is dynamic and lively which makes it even more enjoyable and pleasant.

The choreography and production was outstanding, always paying attention to details. You will hear many streamed songs in Tango Moderno, such as ‘Laid by your side’, ‘Shape of you’ and others that will certainly make you sing along.

Towards the end of the show, Tom Parsons gives a speech to the audience, saying: “If you want to love, you have to give it”. Some couples find love and some others find heartbreak in the plot of Tango Moderno.

Moreover he continues adding: “Turn up the music and dance before you die”. That underlines the importance and the delight behind dancing.

Tango Moderno is a spectacular show worth watching. You will feel the rhythm of tango that will certainly make you want to dance.