Source: CCTV.com

09-03-2008 09:24

An Argentine couple has danced away all competition to triumph over 36 other pairs from around the world at the World Tango Championships. The pair took first prize in the "Salon Tango" competition.

An Argentine couple has danced away all competition to triumph  over 36 other pairs from around the world at the World Tango  Championships.

Daniel Nacucchio and Cristina Sosa, danced their final round before a jury of professional dancers and choreographers, at the Buenos Aires nightclub.

The couple earns about 4,100 US dollars in prize money.

Argentines Neri Luciano Piliu and Yanina Valeria Quinones finished second. Venezuelans John Erban and Sofiani Figueroa took third.

"Salon Tango" has very specific rules: the couple cannot physically separate while the music plays.

This means that the couple must maintain "the hug," that is the basic position for the tango.

The dancers must move counter-clockwise. Their feet must not be lifted above their knees.

"Salon Tango" is the form of the dance that is closest to the popular tango still seen in Buenos Aires streets and ballrooms. It is notably different from the "Stage Tango" or Tango Escenario which allows dancers more freedom to interpret the music, including leaps and elaborate movements.

A "Stage Tango" contest - the second, more formal of the championship's two categories - got underway Monday.

Around 400 couples from 23 countries came to Buenos Aires to compete in the 6th world championships.