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, community and species. 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 affinity, altruism, cooperation, and accommodation. It is a dance that teaches the world to love.



September 16, 2014

Tango Is a Fellowship


I was asked to make a comparison between Argentine tango and American tango. Though a short essay cannot cover such a vast topic, I am willing to make an observation from just one particular perspective.

Those who view tango solely as a skill may believe that once they have mastered the technique, they have mastered the dance. Unfortunately, such individuals often disrespect tango culture, ignore milonga codes, dismiss other people's feelings, treat others as competitors, and focus solely on individual performance. This attitude is especially evident in the US, where rampant liberalism and individualism clash with tango.

Liberalism and individualism prioritize individuality, independence, personal freedom, autonomy and creativity over the relationships and harmonious coexistence of people. In contrast, tango emphasizes the unity, cooperation, and harmony of the team. The essence of tango lies not in personal performance and fancy steps, but in the teamwork, fellowship, intimacy and agreement between dancers. Tango is, above all else, a fellowship, and to enjoy it, dancers must be a part of that fellowship. Without it, even the most excellent dance skills are meaningless. (See Never Forget Why We Started.)

For this reason, he/she who only dances exhibition tango with a fixed partner is not a tango dancer in the true sense. Unfortunately, this kind of career performers are often regarded by tango students as role models. Under their influence, many young people do not see tango as a fellowship but a show, hence the alienation of tango. However, vanity cannot quench the thirst of the soul. Once mastered the skill, most people will continue their search for deeper meanings, moving away from exhibitionism and turning to the essence of tango. (See The Four Stages of the Tango Journey.)

The revival of tango, started in the mid 1980s, has been thirty years now. During this time American tango has also grown. Technically speaking many tango dancers in the US have already reached the level of Argentines. However, in Argentina tango is a very intimate community. American tango dancers need to pay more attention to fellowship and community building. This is not a one-person task and will take the efforts of all dancers, teachers and organizers. How each and every dancer cherishes his/her tango community, acts in the milongas, treats others, invites or accepts the invitation, dances and so on, not only reflects their understanding of tango but also impacts the community. As tango dancers we must take this responsibility seriously and make efforts to improve our tango community. Only then can our tango truly catch up with Argentine tango. (See 惜缘.)



1 comment:

  1. Very good points about how tango should be but unfortunately most of the concerns you stated are also true in some miongas Buenos Aires. In adition some cities In USA and Europe especially some small cities have a better tango community where people have respect for each others and they share tango in many ways that can be regarded as a family.

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