Tango and Gender Interdependence

Interdependency is an inherent part of human relationships. There is immense value in the interdependence between the two sexes. Men and women have different strengths, weaknesses, expertise, experiences, and perspectives. They bear different responsibilities and share different tasks in teamwork. Each gender offers discrete forms of emotional support and companionship, makes distinct contributions, and brings different qualities to a fulfilled life. Happiness for either gender hinges on the presence and contribution of the other. Neither gender can be happy without the other.

Feminism blindly opposes women's dependence on men, but this dependence is a result of natural selection, enabling sustainable relationships that benefit the species and its offspring. Women's beauty arouses men's hunger for them, aids in human propagation. Their tenderness and emotionalism complement men’s toughness and machismo, fostering mutual attraction. While women's petiteness and frailty cause them to be more dependent on men for safety, they also add their sensitivity to other's vulnerabilities, making them great mothers and caregivers. Women's hormonal fluctuations during menstruation associated with their fertility, and their need for assistance during pregnancy and childbirth contribute to their dependence, but that is not inherently negative. The delicacy and reliance of women serve as a crucial incentive for men, making men more responsible, and giving men immense satisfaction. This in return strengthens bonds, encourages mutual support, care and empathy, culminating in stronger emotional ties that lead to unity, cooperation, shared responsibility, and a more harmonious relationship.

Men also are dependent on women in numerous areas, including romance, household responsibilities, companionship, emotional support, parenting, caring for elders, and much more. Women's qualities like soft-heartedness, tenderness, sentimentalism, attention to detail, aesthetic preferences, etc., complement men's areas where they benefit from women's inputs and support.

The interdependence and mutual attraction between the sexes is an eternal and powerful theme in art. The popularity of tango, in particular, lies in its ability to encapsulate and satisfy the yearning between the sexes. Tango, with its intimate physical contact and emotional interactions, beautifully balances women's delicacy and reliance with men's strength, providing satisfaction to both genders. Women are drawn to tango as it allows them to express their attachment and dependence, while men find contentment in women's reliance, obedience and seduction. (See Close Embrace and Open Embrace (I).)

Long-term observation and experience have convinced me that a good tango is one that gratifies the needs of both sexes, rather than the kind of performance that only cares about images. Skilled tangueras excel in conveying women's attachment and dependence on men while bringing men contentment with their femininity. Similarly, proficient tangueros can satisfy women's attachment and dependence while allowing their feminine beauty to shine. Applying this knowledge and perfecting the skills to meet the needs of your partner, not just to impress, are prerequisites for becoming a qualified tango dancer, and should be the pursuit of every tango learner. (See Artistic Sublimation and Vulgarism in Tango.)