The Tango began in Argentina where it is still danced and continues to develop into the form known as Argentine Tango. It has a long and rich history and has been associated with Argentine culture since the late 1800's.

Ballroom Tango started its development after the Tango was sensationally demonstrated in Paris in the early 1900's. Paris at the time was the centre of western culture and was hungry for new innovative trends and not at all averse to the risqué nature of this new dance. It was also widely demonstrated by the famous ragtime era ballroom dance couple Vernon and Irene Castle who exemplified a style and elegance that stood out from the wild vulgarity of the ragtime dancing phenomenon. They included it in their book of dances entitled "Modern Dancing" released in 1914. "A sublimated form of Tango, I admit" writes Mrs. Castle but their interpretation included double head movements, stalking leg action, lunges and dips, many of the components still used today.

World War I consumed everyone's attention in the subsequent years and Vernon was killed in an aircraft accident. It wasn't until 1921 after the silent screen star Rudolph Valentino danced his Tango in "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" that the world once again became fascinated by it.

It became all the rage in Paris all over again and made its way to England where it continued its development over the years in the dance studios into the English or International Style Tango and also to the United States where it developed on a parallel path into the American Style Tango. Both styles continue to be danced socially and in professional competition in their respective divisions.

Gemini Ballroom Academy is Reno's newest Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Salsa, Social and Partnership dance school offering dance lessons to adults, teens, and children of all levels. Gemini Ballroom offers private or group lessons as well as specialty workshops, drop-in classes and social dance parties.

Your first private lesson at Gemini Ballroom is always free. All you have to do is, call us at (775) 32-DANCE (775-323-2623) or email geminiballroom@gmail.com to schedule your complimentary private lesson. You will receive a 25 minute private lesson, followed by time to go over the calendar (to recommend which classes would be best for you) and to answer any questions you may have.

Gemini Ballroom is located at 2920 Mill Street and the owners, Vanessa & Mario Ornelas, are also dance teachers. For more information, visit www.geminiballroom.com.