Tango originated in Spain or Morocco and was introduced to the new world by Spanish settlers in the early 19th century. It began as a solo dance performed by women and spread throughout Europe in the 1900s. Tango was a dramatic dance performed by the middle class at parties and competitions. The tango has been influenced by many cultures including Spanish and African American traditions and is expressed differently in places like Argentina, Uruguay, and the United States while still retaining traditional elements. Famous tango artists like Carlos Gardel and Astor Piazzolla helped popularize the dance through movies and songs that blended tango with other styles of music.