Tango is not only a fascinating dance but also a fascinating philosophy, culture and lifestyle. The search of tango is the search of connection, love, fellowship, unity, harmony and beauty, i.e., an idealism that is not consistent with the dehumanizing reality of the modern world. The world divides us into individuals, but tango unites us into a team. In tango we are not individualists, feminists, nationalists, Democrats, Republicans, etc., but interconnected and interdependent members of the human family. Tango calls us to tear down the walls, to build bridges, and to regain humanity through altruism, connection, cooperation, accommodation, and compromise. It is a dance that teaches the world to love.

April 30, 2011

Tango as a Philosophy


Tango means different things to different individuals. For men, it is leading; for women, it is following. For beginners, it is about learning steps; for seasoned dancers, it becomes an expression of music and emotion. For lovers, tango is a relationship; for attention seekers, a show. For heterosexuals, it stands as gender expression; for homosexuals, it offers a space for gender-neutral play. Social dancers view tango as a personal escape; professionals see it as their craft to entertain audiences. Casual enthusiasts treat it as recreation; devoted milongueros embrace it as a lifestyle. To foreigners, tango might represent a simple interest or fascination, while for Argentinians, it is a deeply ingrained symbol of their history and culture. Each of us dances tango differently, shaped by who we are and how we understand it.

Tango philosophy explores the issues that make us distinct as dancers and individuals. Below is an incomplete list of such issues—each with the potential for multiple answers. Some answers may lean more correct or incorrect, others might simply reflect personal preferences that are neither right nor wrong. Collectively, these varying views and choices shape the way we dance, behave, and categorize ourselves. By studying and exchanging perspectives on these issues, we can deepen our understanding, learn from each other, improve our dance, and, hopefully, achieve mastery through a holistic grasp of all aspects of tango.

1. What is tango
2. Why people dance tango
3. Tango styles
4. Embrace-oriented style vs. step-oriented style
5. Close embrace vs. open embrace
6. Social tango vs. performance tango
7. Artistic sublimation vs. vulgarism
8. Cultural bias and impacts
9. The relationship of the two sexes
10. The gender roles in tango
11. Gender neutrality vs. gender expression
12. Independence vs. interdependence
13. Feminism and its impact on tango
14. Individualism and its impact on tango
15. Individual performance vs. teamwork
16. Tango as a skill vs. tango as a fellowship
17. Elitism vs. populism
18. Movements vs. feelings
19. Steps vs. chreography
20. Romanticism vs. gymnastics
21. Prioritizing look vs. prioritizing essence
22. Imitating steps vs. developing skills
23. The unity of form and content
24. The danceability of tango music
25. Classic tango music vs. alternative music
26. Dancing steps vs. dancing music
27. Dancing to rhythm vs. dancing to melody
28. Three theories on leading
29. Self-centered leading vs. partner-centered leading
30. Active follow vs. passive follow
31. Simplicity vs. complexity
32. Elegance vs. fanciness
33. Progressive dancing vs. spot dancing
34. Reliance vs. lightness
35. Reform vs. tradition
36. Comfort vs. beauty
37. Creativity vs. standardization
38. Liberty vs. milonga codes
39. Cabeseo vs. verbal invitation
40. The freedom in tango
41. Tango and the outlook on life
42. A dance that teaches the world to love



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