Tango is a dramatic and passionate style of ballroom dance that originated in Argentina and Uruguay in the late 1800s. Two dancers move together in close embrace, taking sharp, precise steps and sudden pauses while dramatic music plays. The dance looks intense and romantic, with dancers often whipping their heads or striking bold poses.

The tango grew from a mix of European, African, and Latin American musical traditions in the port neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. At first, wealthy people considered it too bold and improper, but by the 1920s it had become fashionable in dance halls across Europe and America. Today it remains one of the most recognizable and beloved ballroom dances.

As a verb, to tango means to dance the tango.

People also use the phrase it takes two to tango to mean that when something goes wrong between two people, both usually share some responsibility. If two friends are arguing, a parent might remind them that it takes two to tango, meaning both probably did something to cause the problem.