Did you know the tango was born in the back streets of Buenos Aires? Thousands of Europeans immigrated to South America to begin a new life. The dance was a combination of many different cultures.
But guess what? The dance was banned for uniformed officers in Germany by Kaiser Wilhelm II on November 17, 1913. He declared the dance was “an affront to common decency.”
Despite these bans the tango survived and is almost always part of the ballroom repertoire.
Halloween is over and Christmas is a few weeks away, so it’s a great time of year to teach force and motion and integrate a few historical facts like the one above. It’s also a way to expend a little energy if you’re stuck inside on a cold blustery day.
In the Fuddlebrook book, Freddie’s Dance Lesson, Freddie learns about push and pull in the most unusual way. We’re sure Freddie would have agreed with Kaiser Wilhelm’s decision to ban the tango and all dancing for that matter. But unfortunately (for Freddie), Mrs. Fitfiddle did not! Read this fun story to learn more.
It’s also a great time for kids to create their own dance while learning about gravity, inertia, push and pull, and the three laws of motion.
Remember, learning doesn’t just take place sitting in a chair. If you have the chance…just dance!