Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Bailarín de contraseña is a Tango written by Carlos Lucero and composed by Víctor Felice.
The lyrics of “Bailarín de contraseña” portray the preparations and anticipation involved in getting ready for a night of dance, specifically in a milonga—a social dance event featuring Tango. The protagonist meticulously grooms himself, dressing sharply for the occasion, which highlights a social ritual deeply rooted in the Argentine Tango culture. Upon arriving at the venue, named “Sportivo,” his careful observation and interactions reveal a desire to belong and participate in the dance, suggesting themes of social connection, anticipation, and perhaps a hint of anxiety about securing entry, often dependent on social connections or ‘favor’.
The title “Bailarín de contraseña” literally translates to “Password Dancer,” symbolizing the nuanced social dances, not just on the dance floor but at the doorway—where gaining access also requires the right social ‘passwords’ or connections. The grooming ritual symbolizes transformation and preparation for a social spectacle, while his dependency on a favor for entry shows the underlying economic or social vulnerabilities. The act of waiting and negotiating for entry through a password exchanges highlights the exclusivity and sometimes the superficiality of social gatherings.
Recorded in 1945, near the end of World War II, “Bailarín de contraseña” reflects a period of intense social and economic change. Argentina, relatively isolated from the war, was experiencing a cultural blossoming, with Tango at its heart, offering an escape from global anxieties. The milongas were not merely dance venues but social hubs where class and social lines could blur, yet, as the song implies, entry still required navigating those lines carefully. The lyrics subtly comment on the social stratifications and the human desire to find belonging and joy amidst routine or hardship.
Carlos Lucero was an Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the Tango genre, capturing the intricacies of everyday life and emotions in his work.