The tango has probably traveled further and gone through more changes than almost any other dance. African slaves brought the tango to Haiti and Cuba in the 18th century; in Cuba, the tango was influenced by the local Cuban dance, called "the Havana". From there, immigrants took the tango to Argentina in the 19th century, where it was changed once again and became popular in the slums of Buenos Aires. It was a rude dance by this time, which made it difficult for Europeans to accept.
At the beginning of this century, the tango was refined. It was performed in its sophisticated European form, and became popular in England and in the USA. Once established, the tango became very popular and fashionable in London and Paris.
People began to follow the Viennese waltz custom of dancing in restaurants between the courses of meal. Owners encouraged this, "for the pleasure of the customers and for the benefit of the their digestion"! Afternoon "tango teas" arose everywhere. Even in private houses, Latin American music was played for the tango, as more and more people owned record players.
The tango returned in the 20s in a fleer, ruder form than before. Rudolph Valentino, the Hollywood film star, began his career as a professional tango partner in American tea-rooms. Valentino later immortalized (使不灭) the dance on film.