Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

El torito

El torito is a Milonga written by Ángel Villoldo and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1954. Juan D’Arienzo has recorded El torito as an instrumental Milonga.
“El Torito,” which translates to “The Little Bull” in English, captures the essence of a spirited dance. The music, like a young bull, exudes energy and vigor, charging forth with vibrant notes and passionate rhythms. Each beat is a step in a lively ballet of tradition and emotion, echoing the pulse of life and celebration.

Milonga

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Ángel Villoldo

Author

Ángel Villoldo

Composer

1954/4/29

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

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El torito recorded by other Orchestras

El torito recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Milonga El torito

Aquí tienen a El Torito,

el criollo más compadrito

que ha pisao la población.

Donde quiera me hago ver

cuando llega la ocasión.

Pa’ la danza soy ladino,

y en cualquier baile argentino

donde yo me he presentao,

al mozo más bailarín

he dejao acobardao.



Cuando hago una sentadita

de aquéllas que yo sé hacer,

es el disloque, señores,

pues me tengo mucha fe.

Mi cuerpo es como un resorte

cuando me pongo a bailar,

y en todas partes el premio

a la fija sé ganar.



Yo tengo una morochita

que es muy pierna y comadrita

en el arte de bailar,

y tadavía no halló

quién la pueda aventajar.

Todo el mundo nos alaba

y somos la yunta brava

conocida por aquí,

y nadie se presentó

que nos pueda competir.



En los bailes nacionales

nadie nos puede igualar,

pues yo y mi prenda formamos

La pareja sin rival.

Lo mismo bailamos tango

que gato con relación,

la zamacueca, el cielito,

la huella y el pericón.

English lyrics of the Milonga "El torito"

Here you have El Torito,

the most cocky native

who’s stepped into town.

Whenever the occasion arises,

I make sure to be seen.

For dancing, I’m cunning,

and at any Argentine dance

where I’ve shown up,

I’ve left the best dancer

feeling timid.

When I perform a sit-down

like the ones I know how to do,

it’s chaos, gentlemen,

for I have much confidence in myself.

My body is like a spring

when I start to dance,

and everywhere I know for sure

I’ll win the prize.

I have a dark-haired girl

who’s very skilled and chummy

in the art of dancing,

and still, she found

no one who can outdo her.

Everyone praises us,

and we are the tough team

known around here,

and no one has come forward

who can compete with us.

In national dances,

no one can match us,

because my darling and I make up

the unrivalled pair.

We dance the tango

as well as the gato with relation,

the zamacueca, el cielito,

the huella and the pericón.

El torito by Ángel Villoldo

El torito is a Tango written by Ángel Villoldo and composed by Ángel Villoldo.

Story behind the Tango El torito

The lyrics of “El torito” introduce us to a character vividly bragging about his dancing skills, describing himself as unmatched in traditional Argentinian dances. The song’s narrative revolves around his confidence and prowess, which he takes great pride in, and his romantic partnership with a woman who is equally skilled. It’s a celebration of dance, prowess, and cultural tradition, showcasing the couple’s dominance in folk dances at local gatherings.

Symbolism of El torito

“El torito” translates to “The Little Bull” in English, symbolizing strength, virility, and a dynamic presence—qualities embodied by the narrator. The repeated references to various traditional dances not only emphasize the narrator’s expertise but also celebrate the rich diversity of Argentine folk dance traditions. His competitive spirit in dance symbolizes personal and cultural pride, while his relationship with his dance partner illustrates both companionship and shared cultural heritage.

El torito in Historic Context

Written and recorded in the mid-20th century, a period rich with cultural expression in Argentina, “El torito” reflects the vibrancy of Argentine popular culture at the time. Post-World War II Argentina was marked by significant social changes, and the arts, including tango, played a crucial role in expressing national identity and cultural pride. This song not only captures the spirit of its time but also serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of traditional dances and their importance in Argentine cultural expression.

Ángel Villoldo

Ángel Villoldo, often dubbed the father of tango, was a pivotal figure in the development of the genre in the early 20th century.