Who would’ve thought?
Dancing in close embrace, deep slits, and lots of leg aren’t exclusive to the Argentinean tango. In fact, the Finns have not only taken to this dance, but also made it their own. Finnish tango differs from the fiery Latin version. Instead, the music and dance features more seamless movements and encompasses a slower, more soulful tune played mainly in minor keys, heavily influenced by the deep Folk music roots of Finnish culture. Another difference is that Finnish Tango is played mainly on accordion and not on bandoneo, the essential Argentinean tango instrument.
Perhaps because of the cold weather, more melancholic notes characterize Finnish music and their tango is no exception. The dancing is less upbeat but invokes the same amount of passion and perhaps even more romance. It almost seems like a contradiction to watch the Finns, who are naturally contact-shy, in passionate embrace with their dance partner. In sync with Argentinean tango, the lyrics to these songs speak of nostalgia and longing for the happier past, lost love and lots of loneliness, which are also themes from folk poetry.
Though tango is relatively new to Finland (introduced in the early 20th century), this art has maintained its status in popularity and is experiencing a resurgence. The main event for tango event is the Tango Markkinat, or the Tango Festival, in Seinäjok. In 2012 the festival takes place from July 11-15. The event is massive and attracts a crowd of over 100,000 people. The music doesn’t have to be 100% tango, as long as it includes 40% of it, leading to interesting fusions with other musical genres. Among the closest and dearest to Finland are the songs “Liljankukka,” composed by Toivo Kärki, who paved the way for Finnish tango, and Unto Mononem’s “Satumaa.”
Though we immediately associate tango only with the Southern tip of South America, a particular form of tango originates from the tip of Northern Europe. In fact, aside from Argentina and Uruguay, Finland is the only other country that has adopted this sensual form of music and dance as part of their own national identity.