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 would like to share my observation from a specific 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 prevalent in the US, where rampant liberalism and individualism clash with tango.

Liberalism prioritizes individuality, independence, personal freedom and autonomy over relationship and cooperation. Instead, tango emphasizes the unity, teamwork, fellowship and harmony between the dancers. The essence of tango lies not in the display of personal skills, but in the partnership, intimacy, cooperation, 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 1983, has been more than thirty years. During this time tango in the US has grown apace. Technically speaking many tango dancers in this country have already reached the level of Argentines. However, in Argentina tango is a close-knit community rather than merely a dance or show, and they place great value on fellowship. Instead of focusing solely on the dance skill and performance, American tango dancers need to overcome their individualism, and pay more attention to relationship, camaraderie and community building. This task requires the joint efforts of all dancers, teachers and organizers. How each and every dancer cherishes their 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 need to take this responsibility seriously and make efforts to improve our relationship and dance community. Only then can our tango truly catch up with Argentine tango. (See 惜缘.)