Tango Is a Fellowship

I was asked to compare Argentine tango and American tango. While such a vast topic cannot be thoroughly explored in a short essay, I’d like to share my observations from a specific perspective.

Some view tango solely as a skill, believing that mastering its techniques equates to mastering the dance. This attitude often leads to a disregard for tango’s cultural essence—ignoring milonga codes, dismissing others’ feelings, treating dancers as competitors, and prioritizing individual performance. This perspective is particularly prevalent in the US, where liberalism and individualism frequently clash with the collaborative spirit of tango.

Liberalism, with its emphasis on individuality, independence, and personal freedom, often undervalues relationships and cooperation. In contrast, tango is built on unity, teamwork, fellowship, and harmony between partners. Its essence lies not in showcasing personal skills but in the partnership, cooperation, and mutual agreement that define the dance. Tango, above all else, is a fellowship, and true enjoyment of the dance requires participation in this shared connection. Without it, even the most advanced technical skills are hollow.

For this reason, those who dance only exhibition tango with a fixed partner cannot be considered true tango dancers. Unfortunately, career performers are often idolized by tango students, and their influence shifts the perception of tango from a fellowship to a spectacle. However, vanity cannot quench the thirst of the soul. While technical mastery may initially satisfy, most dancers eventually seek deeper meaning, moving beyond exhibitionism toward the essence of tango (see The Four Stages of the Tango Journey).

Since its revival in 1983, tango has grown significantly in the US. Many American dancers now rival Argentines in technical proficiency. However, in Argentina, tango thrives as a close-knit community rather than just a dance or performance art. Fellowship remains central to their practice. To truly embrace tango, American dancers must transcend individualism and focus on relationships, camaraderie, and community building. This shift requires the collective effort of dancers, teachers, and organizers. Every aspect of our conduct—how we support our community, interact at milongas, invite or accept invitations, and treat one another—reflects our understanding of tango and shapes the community.

As tango dancers, we bear the responsibility of fostering these connections and strengthening our dance communities. Only through these efforts can American tango truly align with the spirit of Argentine tango (see 惜缘).