Tango and Romanticism

Romanticism emerged in the late 18th century as a cultural and artistic movement that celebrated the human spirit. It exalted emotion, imagination, heroism, and idealism in response to the dehumanizing forces of industrialization, which prioritized mechanization and efficiency over the richness of the human condition. At its heart, Romanticism sought to reclaim the beauty of feeling, the depth of emotional expression, and the fullness of human experience—an influence that continues to resonate across literature, art, and culture.

In our postmodern age—marked by technology, superficiality, and relentless speed—the ideals of Romanticism feel more vital than ever. Nowhere is this more apparent than in tango: a dance born of longing, emotion, and profound human connection. Tango was never merely a form of entertainment. It emerged as an expressive language for the yearnings, dreams, and desires that define the human experience, embodying the essence of Romanticism (see Tango Is the Search for a Dream).

Yet today, critics often note that some tango performances have drifted toward spectacle—highlighting gymnastic feats and acrobatic flourishes that, while physically impressive, miss the emotional core of the dance. These displays favor surface over substance, emphasizing visual effect over internal feeling. True tango is not about dazzling tricks; it is about the invisible thread that binds two people in connection and intimacy. It evokes the drama of a romance—two partners navigating uncertainty together, grounded in trust, support, and emotional presence. At its best, tango is a dance of shared feeling—a Romantic art form that stands in stark contrast to athletic display. Rather than reaching outward for applause, tango turns inward, drawing from the well of human spirit, empathy, and resonance (see The Conceptual Beauty of Tango).

When stripped of these deeper qualities, tango risks becoming just another sport or show—technically adept, but emotionally hollow. In a culture increasingly shaped by games over classics, sport over art, and technology over humanity, there is a real danger that tango may lose its essence. Many raised in such an environment are drawn to novelty, speed, and change, often at the expense of substance and timeless beauty.

To preserve tango’s classic elegance, we must rekindle the Romantic spirit—in both teaching and practice. This means embracing simplicity and naturalness, valuing elegance over extravagance, and allowing genuine emotion to guide the dance. While trends may rise and fall, Romanticism offers a timeless expression of our shared humanity. It endures, quietly awaiting rediscovery. And when reawakened through tango, it elevates the dance into a profound and poetic celebration of human connection—resonating across generations (see Embracing Elegance).