The Freedom in Tango

The freedom in tango is not the liberty of isolated individuals in a lower sense, but the freedom of the whole as an integrated and harmonious unity in a higher sense (see Pluralism vs. Monism).

In America, freedom is often understood as the sovereign right of the individual—endowed by the Creator with unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This interpretation emphasizes personal autonomy and self-interest, justifying competition as both natural and necessary. American laws support and protect this competition. Education is designed to improve a person’s ability to succeed against others. Economic systems harness competitive drive to stimulate growth, often at the expense of prudent resource use, social cooperation, and equitable wealth distribution. The political system is built on partisanship to serve the special interests, fosters division rather than unity, leaving numerous social issues—poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, gun violence, unaffordable healthcare, failing education, and crumbling infrastructure—unresolved for decades (see Philosophies that Separate Two Worlds).

This civilization, based on self-interest, competition, predatory development, and irrational consumption, now faces a grave crisis. On one hand, there is unchecked greed; on the other, the depletion of natural resources. On one hand, extravagant lifestyles and massive waste; on the other, a rapidly deteriorating environment. On one hand, surging GDP; on the other, widening inequality. A handful enjoy enormous wealth while the majority struggle to get by. Clearly, the philosophical underpinnings of this system are flawed, offering little regard for justice, fairness, coexistence, equality, cooperation, and shared prosperity. It has produced a tiny minority of winners and a vast population of losers (see America Is in Big Trouble).

The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”

These words deserve renewed reflection. Do we truly understand what they mean? Is it time to reconsider the foundation upon which our society stands? Apparently, the hyper-individualistic interpretation of the Constitution has neither brought, nor likely will it bring, the safety and happiness it promises to the American people.

When tango arrived in America, few recognized that it brought a new perspective. Unlike individualism, tango does not view individuals as separate, self-interested entities, but as interconnected, interdependent team members, bound by shared purpose. Without other human beings, an individual alone is incomplete, no matter how important they may see themselves from their own perspective. In tango, no dancer can shine alone. Success is not an individual triumph, but the product of mutual cooperation. Relationships in tango are not based on competition, control, power struggle, or taking advantage of one another. They are grounded in surrender, collaboration, accommodation, and complementarity.

Resting in his arms, entrusting herself to him, feeling his masculine strength, sharing his emotions and feelings, enjoying his protection, following him freely without worry, moving with him in harmony, and letting her femininity and beauty shine to attract and satisfy him—these, for the woman, bring pleasure, security, and a realization of her value as a woman. Conversely, being with her, earning her trust, enjoying her obedience, affection, and seduction, feeling her feminine body moving in his arms, pampering her, protecting her, and showcasing her beauty—these, for the man, bring pleasure, comfort, and a realization of his value as a man. Tango reawakens the essence of a partnership untainted by power, money, or personal gain. It is a realm where every Cinderella and Tryballot enjoys the same dignity and grace as the nobility.

The allure of tango comes from its shared intimacy, connection, unity, and cooperation. Radical ideologies such as individualism, feminism, neoliberalism, and power politics stand in stark contrast to its values. In tango, the virtues are love, fraternity, kindness, submission, and collaboration. Though tango is a non-economic endeavor, as an act of cooperation its joy is shared. This principle can be extended to other areas of life as well. What is not based on self-interest does not submit to the control of the invisible hand of capital and greed. We might imagine a world where wealth, like the joy of tango, is shared fairly among all who contribute to its creation. Just as the victory of a sports team results from the cooperation of its players, so the honor is given to all team members rather than just the one who scored. Shareholding, therefore, seems to be a better way of distributing wealth than minimum wages.

How we view ourselves determines how we shape our political, economic, social, and cultural realities. Rousseau once said, “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” We have created our own chains, and it is up to us to unchain ourselves. Sadly, our civilization has not yet matured to this understanding, as evidenced once again by recent reports of torture and other injustices. To be a truly free people, we must first understand what freedom means. There is still a long way to go before we achieve the kind of freedom envisioned in our Constitution. I can only hope that tango may help accelerate this process (see Tango and Equality).