Tango is thought to have originated at the end of the 19th century in the bustling suburbs of Buenos Aires, and Montevideo, Uruguay. It originates from a diverse mixture of African slave music and classic European music including polka, opera, waltz and folk songs. At the turn of the century, it quickly grew in popularity and spread internationally.

The origins of tango are unclear because historical documentation from that era is limited. However, it is generally thought that the dance developed in the late 19th century in the working-class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires after slavery was abolished resulting in the mixing of former slaves and immigrant labourers.