Tango and Individualism

In life, we all inhabit a range of roles—husband and wife, father and mother, president and vice president, center forward and linebacker, leader and follower. For any team to function well, these roles must be understood, respected, and fulfilled. When boundaries blur or are ignored, partnerships falter—whether in marriage, family, politics, sports, or tango.

True teamwork requires cohesion. Agreeableness was once celebrated as a virtue because it fostered unity and mutual understanding. Though each of us has personal preferences and perspectives, thriving as a team means prioritizing the common good, practicing empathy, and setting aside ego. A collective flourishes when its members see themselves not as isolated individuals but as integral parts of a greater whole. This calls for a shift from self-centeredness to shared awareness.

When individualism dominates a culture, the collective begins to suffer. In today’s America, self-interest and entitlement often take precedence over communal responsibility, leading to division and stagnation. Political gridlock reflects a deeper cultural shift—one marked by rigid ideologies, inflated egos, and a fading sense of shared purpose.

Liberalism, with its emphasis on personal freedom, has undeniably expanded human potential. But when individuals are seen as wholly independent and self-contained, we lose sight of our essential interdependence. Human rights should include not only individual liberties but also shared values like coexistence, equality, and cooperation. Unchecked individualism, however, elevates personal gain above social harmony, fostering rivalry, exploitation, and cultural fragmentation.

This trend is increasingly evident in our tango, where many dancers see themselves as independent performers rather than partners in a shared experience. Freedom is mistaken for a refusal to surrender; equality is confused with sameness. Traditional gender roles are often dismissed, leaving men hesitant to lead and encouraging women to emulate men. The classic close embrace gives way to open holds, prioritizing self-expression over connection. Inflated egos breed rivalries, and those seeking partners often find aloofness instead of camaraderie.

Yet despite our obsession with independence, we remain human—vulnerable, interdependent, and in need of one another. That’s why we return to tango: to reconnect, to experience intimacy and partnership, to co-create something greater than ourselves. But too often, these deep human needs are undermined by pride, self-absorption, and an unwillingness to compromise.

Tango places us in a relationship that challenges us to reconsider what it means to be human. It asks us to move beyond ego, to collaborate, to dance in harmony by respecting roles and embracing mutuality and agreeableness. These lessons extend far beyond the dance floor. We need political leaders who embody them—leaders who can unify us, bridge divides, rekindle a spirit of solidarity, and restore our ability to work as a team.

Only by embracing the spirit of tango—choosing connection over isolation and cooperation over self-interest—can our milongas and society become better places to dance and live—not only more harmonious, but more deeply human.

The Spirit of Tango

One of humanity’s greatest limitations is egocentricity. We tend to think first—and often only—from our own perspective, acting primarily in our own interests.

Yet human beings are not inherently selfish. When humanity was in its infancy, we relied heavily on each other for survival, everything was shared. Fraternity, cooperation and Good Samaritanism were our second nature. Ideologies such as liberalism, individualism, feminism, personal liberty, and individual rights came much later in human history, and are still imperfect theories, or in many ways even adverse to humanity's greater collective interests, as evidenced by selfishness, greed, competition, aggression, inequality, obscenity, substance abuse, gun proliferation, homosexuality, same-sex marriage, single parent family, LGBTQIAPK+, etc. All of these are defended under the banner of individual rights and freedom. As Madame Jeanne-Marie Roland lamented, "O Liberty! O Liberty! What crimes are committed in thy name!" In many ways, humanity is still in its adolescence—too self-centric to fully grasp the connection between personal freedom and the collective well-being of the species. (See The World Needs a New Philosophy.)

Perhaps the most valuable lesson that tango imparts is that we are interdependent rather than independent, that we need each other, that our individual well-being is inseparable from the well-being of others, that one cannot be happy unless all are happy, that cooperation and sharing serve us better than animosity and competition, that human rights are the collective rights of mankind as a species, not just personal entitlements, and that compassion and self-discipline are important attributes of what makes us human. Tango brings out the better side of our nature, offering a vision for us to live together in peace and harmony through generosity in spirit, loftiness of purpose, altruism, and cooperation. Wherever tango takes us, it serves as a powerful reminder that love, despite our many limitations, is what binds us together as partners, communities, nations, and ultimately as one global family with a shared destiny. (See The Lessons of Tango.)

The Freedom in Tango

The freedom in tango transcends the mere liberty of isolated individuals; it is the freedom of the whole unity in a higher sense (see Pluralism vs. Monism).

In America, freedom is frequently interpreted as the sovereign right of the individual—an inherent entitlement bestowed by the Creator, encompassing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This understanding prioritizes personal autonomy and self-interest, thereby legitimizing competition as a natural and necessary force. American laws support and protect this competitive ethos, while the education system aims to enhance individuals' abilities to succeed against others. Economic structures harness competitive drive to fuel growth, often at the expense of responsible resource use, social cooperation, and equitable wealth distribution. The political landscape prioritizes partisanship that serves special interests, fostering division rather than unity, and leaving pressing social issues—such as poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, gun violence, unaffordable healthcare, failing education, and deteriorating infrastructure—unresolved for decades (see Understanding China: Philosophies That Separate Two Worlds).

This civilization, founded on self-interest, competition, predatory development, and excessive consumption, is now facing a significant crisis. On one side lies unchecked greed; on the other, the depletion of natural resources. We witness extravagant lifestyles and monumental waste contrasted with a rapidly deteriorating environment. Economic indicators such as surging GDP coexist with widening inequality, where a privileged few enjoy immense wealth while the majority struggle to get by. The philosophical foundations of this system are evidently flawed, providing little consideration for justice, fairness, coexistence, equality, cooperation, and shared prosperity. It has given rise to a tiny minority of winners and a vast population of losers (see America Is in Big Trouble).

The Declaration of Independence articulates, “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 merit renewed contemplation. Do we truly grasp their meaning? Is it time to reevaluate the foundational principles of our society? It seems clear that the hyper-individualistic interpretation of the Constitution has neither brought, nor likely will it bring, the safety and happiness it promised to the American populace.

When tango arrived in America, it introduced a fresh perspective that few recognized. Unlike individualism, tango perceives individuals not as isolated, self-interested beings, but as interconnected and interdependent contributors united by a 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 excel alone; success is not an individual triumph, but the result of mutual cooperation. Relationships in tango do not stem from competition, control, or power struggles; rather, they are anchored in surrender, collaboration, accommodation, and complementarity.

Resting in her partner's arms, entrusting herself to him, feeling his masculine strength, sharing his emotions, enjoying his support and 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, relishing in her affection and allure, 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 revitalizes the essence of partnership, unmarred by power, greed, or personal gain. It creates a space where every participant, regardless of background, experiences the same dignity and grace as those in nobility.

The allure of tango lies in its shared intimacy, connection, unity, and cooperation. In stark contrast to radical ideologies like individualism, feminism, neoliberalism, and power politics, tango champions values such as love, fraternity, kindness, submission, and collaboration. Although tango is a non-economic endeavor, as an act of cooperation its joy is shared. This principle has broader applications. What is not based on self-interest does not submit to the control of the invisible hand of capital and greed. We might envision a world where wealth, akin to 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 famously stated, “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).

The World Needs a New Philosophy

Tango, like a single drop in the vast ocean of human civilization, reflects both the beauty and the contamination of our world. The issues we face in tango today are not merely confined to the dance—they mirror the broader challenges confronting humanity.

Just as our understanding of tango shapes the way we dance, our self-perception shapes how we live and behave. Over millions of years of evolution, humankind has gradually distinguished itself from the animal kingdom. The essence of that difference can be captured in a single word: humanity. Our understanding of humanity reached its pinnacle during the Renaissance, between the 14th and 17th centuries. In contrast to today’s often distorted portrayals, the Renaissance celebrated the dignity, nobility, and beauty of the human spirit. This reawakening inspired revolutions against oppression, an explosion of creativity, scientific and technological breakthroughs, the rise of democracy, and the birth of modern civilization.

Yet, amid this progress, humanity has become increasingly alienated from itself. We have left our mark on every corner of the Earth. Farmlands replaced forests, cities supplanted farmlands, pollution displaced purity, materialism overtook idealism, extravagance superseded simplicity, competition replaced cooperation, stress overshadowed enjoyment, monopolies usurped sharing, corruption supplanted integrity, legalism overrode common sense, and individualism displaced fraternity. Self-interest and entitlement have eroded communal values and collective responsibility. Sexual liberation has challenged marriage, transgender identities have emerged in contrast to natural genders, and single-parent and same-sex families have redefined the traditional family. GMOs and synthetic foods have substituted natural nourishment, the virtual economy has overtaken the real economy, games have replaced classics, artificial intelligence has eclipsed human intelligence, and machines have displaced people.

Modernization, for all its promises, has estranged us from both nature and our own humanity. Our ecosystems are ravaged, the environment irreversibly damaged, natural resources depleted. Traditional moral values are subverted, and society is increasingly divided—by race, gender, interest groups, political factions, and nations. Ironically, the very liberty that once propelled humanity to greatness now seems to be driving us toward division, conflict, war, and self-destruction. (See Tango Is the Search for a Dream.)

I hope that someday, values like returning to nature, conservation, environmental responsibility, humanism, collectivism, equality, fraternity, cooperation, shared purpose, and harmony will supplant the ideals of egoism, individualism, liberalism, feminism, consumerism, materialism, self-interest, competition, aggression, power politics, conquest, and the obsession with winning. But by then, it may be too late.

The world needs a new philosophy—one not defined by narrow, self-centered, and unbalanced ideologies, but by a renewed idealism that can guide humanity toward fraternity, solidarity, generosity, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence. Hopefully, tango will play a positive role in the return of humanity, because it embodies the values that make us human. (See Understanding China: Philosophies That Separate Two Worlds.)

Tango Is the Search for a Dream

Tango embodies the dreams, longings, and hopes of the early immigrants to Argentina. It offers a utopia—a refuge where brotherly love, intimacy, fellowship, and kindness prevail over animosity, prejudice, hatred, and pain. In this sanctuary, peace and harmony are achieved through trust, cooperation, and accommodation rather than conflict, competition, and aggression. It is a space where the two sexes complement and comfort one another, rather than clashing in hostility. Tango provides a temporary escape from the pressures and anxieties of modern life (see Tango: The Historical and Cultural Impacts).

Those who equate modernization with progress often overlook its darker consequences. In many ways, modernization has a dehumanizing effect, reshaping interconnected, interdependent societies into fragmented collections of self-sufficient yet isolated individuals. The bonds that once united communities have weakened, shifting our focus from collective well-being to personal gain. Attachment, camaraderie, and shared responsibility have faded, while families disintegrate and traditional values erode. Ecological balance deteriorates as natural resources dwindle and the environment suffers irreversible damage. In place of unity and interdependence, egoism, individualism, division, and materialism take center stage—accompanied by rising levels of stress, corruption, violence, and crime. In short, the relentless march of modernity threatens to overshadow the very essence of our humanity (see The World Needs a New Philosophy).

The increasing popularity of tango today is a striking phenomenon, reflecting a deep, collective yearning for a society rooted in equality, fairness, cooperation, order, and harmony—much like a well-run milonga. This stands in stark contrast to the modern world, where self-interest, rivalry, hostility, stress, chaos, inequality, and division prevail. Those who place unwavering faith in modernization must confront a more sobering reality. As one blogger aptly observed, “The world is like water, and humans are like ink. What humans do to the world is like what ink does to water; over time, the ink only makes the water muddier, not clearer. Compared to our postmodern world, the past seems simpler, purer, and better.”

Another poignant reflection comes from a woman who wrote, “In modern life, we center everything around work, which demands aggression. But if we bring that aggression into our marriages—constantly fighting for self-interest, forcing our partner to concede—what can such a marriage produce but unhappiness?” A similar sentiment was shared by a blogger who asked: “How many American businessmen lie in a hospital bed after a heart attack and finally ask themselves, ‘How did I end up living this way? Working too many hours… the love of my life is a stranger, if we haven’t already divorced… I missed my children growing up… I spent my life chasing financial security, not making memories with my friends… and now I end up here?’”

In many ways, modernization is a fatal attraction—one that leads us away from the very essence of being human. How did we lose our sanity? Why, as an intelligent species capable of inventing computers, the internet, and GPS, have we failed to create a world that truly makes sense?

I believe this universal reckoning—the contrast between modernity and humanity, the longing for a more balanced, meaningful life—is at the heart of tango’s revival today. A century ago, immigrants far from home created a dance infused with their dreams, a dance that celebrated human connection, fraternity, cooperation, unity, and beauty. Today’s tango dancers, I believe, are pursuing that same dream. And those of us fortunate enough to be part of this tradition carry a responsibility: to preserve tango as a sanctuary for the human spirit. We must not only teach others how to dance tango but also uphold the values it embodies. Without those values, tango risks being assimilated by the very world it was born to transcend (see Beauty Will Save the World).

Tango and Gender Issues

Part One

A reader recently commented: "I have enjoyed reading your other thoughts so much that I am very sad to read about your view of gender roles in tango. In my view, tango, like any art, is a subjective and living thing. The ability to reassign roles, to me, is a progression. It affirms that the art can and does live and breathe in our contemporary world—a world which, for most of us anyway, rejects misogyny, rejects homophobia, and encourages empathy. The art will continue to be shaped by those who choose it. I agree completely that there is much that could rightly be considered bastardization, but the exchanging of gender roles and the influence of LGBT, this represents the beauty of the art—not some kind of decay. It shows that tango lives in our time of changing gender roles and progress in human rights and understanding. And, in wonderful irony, it reflects tango revisiting its roots (see The Alienation of Tango)."

While I appreciate this thoughtful comment, I respectfully disagree and would like to clarify my perspective. In my view, gender roles are a foundational aspect of tango. If we were to change or reverse them, tango would cease to be the same dance (see The Gender Roles in Tango).

I don't believe the influence of LGBT culture or the transformation of traditional gender roles should be automatically equated with "progress." Trend and progress are not always synonymous. While feminism and homosexuality are widely accepted in much of the Western world, following prevailing trends without critical reflection can lead to unintended consequences. Tango’s resistance to this trend might, in fact, be a gift. It offers a vision of how the two sexes can engage with one another in a dynamic of harmony and mutual respect—an ideal that many find valuable, especially in an era of rapid social change. This is not to say that individuals shouldn't have the freedom to make their own choices, or that society should marginalize those who do. But it is important to recognize that individual choices do not define universal standards. It is unfair and inaccurate to claim that those who do not adopt certain gender expressions or roles are necessarily misogynistic or homophobic. Likewise, choosing not to dance tango in a nontraditional way does not make someone anti-progressive.

The central issue under discussion concerns the purpose of sex. Those who believe that sex is solely for pleasure argue that individuals can engage in sexual activities with any consenting partner, regardless of gender. From the perspective of liberalism and individualism, this is seen as a matter of personal freedom. Consequently, they advocate for society not only to recognize this as a right but also to establish legal frameworks that enable individuals to freely adopt this lifestyle.

On the other hand, those who view sex as a responsibility tied to procreation and raising the next generation argue that the aforementioned perspective and lifestyle are not beneficial for society and humanity as a whole. They contend that individualism is a flawed ideology, as humans are not isolated, autonomous entities but interconnected and interdependent social beings. The pursuit of unrestricted personal freedom at the expense of society ultimately proves detrimental to individuals themselves. The way we approach tango is not merely about experimenting or exploring new ideas. It is about choosing a way to dance that reflects our values and way of life (see Tango and Individualism).

Part Two

Although humans possess the intelligence to intervene in and manipulate nature, their limited foresight often impairs their ability to grasp the long-term consequences of their actions—a constraint rooted in the brevity of human life. Modern humans are unable to recall or fully comprehend events that occurred tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions of years ago. Monogamy—defined as the union of one non-consanguineous man and woman—serves as a eugenic mechanism that aligns with humanity's best interests. This institution is not arbitrary but the product of millions of years of evolution, shaped by the accumulated reproductive successes and failures of countless generations. However, modern society appears to be losing sight of the validity of this institution, with alternative forms of marriage becoming fashionable. Yet, no matter how intelligent humans may be, what is rooted in nature remains the soundest, most proper, and most fitting outcome.

Natural systems have undergone extensive evolutionary development, perfected incrementally through natural selection over millions of years. In contrast, human interventions are often experimental and revolutionary in nature—frequently yielding unpredictable and sometimes disastrous consequences. Modern contraception serves as a poignant example of such intervention. By decoupling sexual activity from reproduction, contraception has shifted the primary function of sex from procreation to pleasure. This shift triggers a cascade of societal transformations. Sexual liberation encourages the normalization of pleasure-driven behaviors, including homosexuality. Consequently, traditional marriage becomes marginalized, monogamous family structures begin to erode, and the value systems once centered around family begin to dissolve—a trend already observable in many Western societies.

As the proverb goes, “A small leak will sink a great ship.” If sex is reduced to a means of personal pleasure, the rationale for restricting it on moral or structural grounds weakens. If homosexuality is accepted, why not bisexuality, transgender identities, group sex, incest, adultery, prostitution, or other forms of non-procreative sexual activity? In many Western societies, laws have been amended to legalize same-sex marriage, redefining the institution from a reproductive partnership to a union centered on personal fulfillment. If sexual pleasure alone justifies marriage, then on what grounds should marriage be restricted to non-consanguineous adults? Why should brothers and sisters, brothers and brothers, sisters and sisters, fathers and daughters, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, mothers and sons, or other close relatives not form sexual relationships for the same reason? Furthermore, why should marriage be limited to two individuals? Why prohibit polygamy, polyandry, or group marriages? Indeed, if reproduction and the welfare of future generations are no longer the core rationale for marriage, then the very institution becomes unnecessary. Sexual activity, in this view, becomes purely a matter of personal autonomy. Proponents of this perspective argue that sexual freedom is a fundamental human right, unconstrained by traditional definitions of marriage or family. Such claims undermine the institution of marriage built upon millions of years of human reproductive practices.

However, this liberal view overlooks a key premise: marriage is not a universal right, but a privilege granted to non-consanguineous heterosexual adults precisely because of its function in ensuring reproduction and stable child-rearing, both are foundational to societal health. Various unconventional sexual relationships are contrary to the best interests of humanity and have therefore been prohibited by law—first by natural law during the prehistoric period for at least tens of thousands of years, and later by statutes during the historical period for millennia. Societies that failed to adhere to this law were ultimately eliminated through the process of natural selection.

Today, with contraception enabling consequence-free sexual activity, social norms are undergoing rapid change. In the United States, movements advocating for LGBT rights have gained significant traction. To date, sixteen U.S. states have legalized same-sex marriage. Behaviors such as homosexuality, bisexuality, adultery, and incest—which have existed throughout history but were previously practiced covertly—are now beginning to gain legitimacy and popularity due to these legislative changes. As these liberal ideas become widely accepted norms, they initiate profound societal shifts: sexual freedom, the weakening of marriage, the dismantling of the human eugenic institution, the disintegration of traditional family structures, a decline in population quantity and quality, and ultimately, the demographic replacement by groups adhering more closely to natural law. These changes mark a moral and cultural transformation of historic magnitude, unfolding most visibly in liberal, individualistic, and feminist-influenced Western societies. In embracing these ideals while discarding longstanding natural and historical principles, these societies risk repeating the fate of past civilizations that once thrived but eventually vanished when they ignored the biological and social foundations of their success.

Part Three

While homosexuals are entitled to their basic human rights, including the freedom to choose their sexual partners, it is important to recognize that the widespread adoption of homosexuality could potentially impact a population's ability to reproduce. Marriage equality—i.e., treating heterosexual and homosexual relationships equally, thereby blurring the distinctions between the two—is not, in my opinion, a good idea. It represents another significant human intervention against nature. As mentioned earlier, marriage is a eugenic institution shaped by millions of years of human reproductive practices. It is a privilege granted exclusively to non-blood-related adult men and women for the purpose of procreation. For the benefit of the human species, this privilege must be safeguarded by law. Failure to do so could have serious repercussions.

The notion of "marriage equality" suggests that gender and bloodline are irrelevant in forming a sexual partnership, that marriage need not be confined to a union between a man and a woman, and that every individual is entitled to engage in sexual relationships with anyone, including those of the same gender or family. It implies that it is ethical to have same-sex or bisexual relationships with multiple partners, that marriage is not a eugenic institution but merely a lifestyle choice, and that sex is solely for pleasure with no associated social responsibilities. This perspective also suggests that procreation and the upbringing of the next generation are not integral to the institution of marriage, that the healthy development of children does not depend on the joint efforts of both a father and a mother, and that welfare incentives designed to encourage opposite-sex marriages for procreation should also be extended to same-sex partnerships. Moreover, it emphasizes that individual rights, personal freedom, self-indulgence, and self-interest are all that truly matter. Can you imagine the impact such ideas—if promoted by the state, enforced by law, and amplified by politically motivated media coverage, TV shows, movies, popular literature, school curricula, and workplace regulations—could have on young minds and the future of humanity?

We know that introducing alien species may endanger native species, marketing genetically modified food may reduce the availability of natural food supplies, promoting tango Nuevo may inhibit traditional tango, and implementing affirmative action may result in reversed discrimination, among other examples. Instances like these are too numerous to count. It is human nature to be drawn to the new and to abandon the old. People often rush to embrace what is fashionable while disparaging what is traditional. Those who question new trends are criticized, as though what has stood the test of time is no longer valuable, while experimental ideas are praised as cutting-edge and progressive. If monogamous marriage, as a eugenic institution, were not protected, the consequences would be profound: the disintegration of traditional families, the rise of same-sex marriages, gay families, and single-parent families, the proliferation of reversed discrimination, and a decline in both the quantity and quality of the population would become inevitable.

More significantly, failing to protect traditional marriage will undermine the family-based value system upon which human civilization is built. The inherent, natural, interdependent, complementary, mutually supportive, and cooperative relationship between the opposite sexes forms the cornerstone of all human relationships. From this relationship arise children, families, societies, and the moral and political systems that form the foundation of civilization. In other words, it is through the most intimate reproductive relationship that people learn to love, trust, cooperate, and coexist harmoniously. The decline of the family will have a disruptive impact on society, as weakening family ties exacerbates the spread of individualism. This shift emphasizes personal freedom, independence, and self-interest while dismissing the interdependence and cooperation necessary for societal harmony (see Tango and Family Values). Feminism, as a parallel to individualism in gender issues, challenges the interdependence of the sexes. It advocates for women’s independence, encourages them to emancipate from family structures, to fight for their rights, to be strong and assertive like men, to compete with men, and not to be outdone by men. Such radical propositions intensifies, rather than alleviates, the confrontation and antagonism between the sexes, undermining social harmony (see Tango and Gender Interdependence). The way to improve the relationship, as tango demonstrates, is to be friendly, acceptant, kind, respectful, cooperative, agreeable, yielding, loving and accommodating to each other rather than being rejective, resentful, hostile, confrontational, aggressive, and uncompromising to each other. The recent government shutdown, caused by a refusal to make concessions, serves as a stark example of the damage inflicted by such extremist ideologies.

Part Four

The gay rights movement, individualism, feminism, and liberalism have undeniably influenced tango. Feminism, in particular, challenges the notions of surrender and obedience of women to men in tango, advocating instead for the woman to maintain her independence. It proposes that the man should offer suggestions rather than take the lead, that the woman should have the freedom to decide how, when, or whether to accept his proposal, that she is free to express herself and initiate her own steps, that the man must respect her autonomy, and even that the woman may lead the man or another woman. Some authors have written books promoting such ideas, and like-minded teachers incorporate these perspectives into their instruction. Students, often mistaking radicalism for progress, blindly follow these trends, transforming tango from a dance where the two sexes collaborate to achieve unity and harmony into one where the sexes become alienated and antagonistic, focusing primarily on individual performance.

I believe most people are not extremists. However, living in a society that “rejects misogyny, rejects homophobia, and encourages empathy,” it is difficult for anyone to remain entirely immune to this kind of indoctrination. Beginners often cling to attitudes they have developed over a long period of time, perceiving themselves as independent individuals rather than being part of a relationship with others. They tend to see themselves not as part of a whole but as separate entities and regard others as rivals. Most people, after a period of learning, gradually overcome this self-centered mindset and adopt a cooperative attitude that aligns with the essence of tango. However, there are some who are unable to transcend their individualistic mentality even after years of practice. Contemporary students need to understand that learning tango involves adopting a set of values that differ fundamentally from those of the modern world. The world prioritizes competition and victory, whereas tango emphasizes cooperation and harmony. The world teaches that balance is achieved through strength and power, but tango teaches that balance is attained through collaboration and accommodation. Tango is not about personal autonomy, independence, individual liberty, or self-interest; it is about achieving unity, harmony, and the common good of the partnership through cooperation. The principles of tango—such as surrender, obedience, yielding, agreement, collaboration, accommodation, complementarity, and love—not only enable the two partners to dance in unison but also offer universal values for living together in peace and harmony (see A Dance That Challenges Modern Ideologies).

Whenever cooperation is involved, a division of labor becomes necessary. For example, in families, men typically take on more physically demanding tasks, while women tend to handle lighter chores. Such a natural division of labor is based on the physiological differences between the sexes and is in no way a form of discrimination. In tango, the man leads, and the woman embellishes the dance—this, too, is a natural division of labor rooted in the biological characteristics of the sexes, and it does not imply gender inequality. Does it seem natural to you for a woman to lead a man while he embellishes the dance? When you see a woman leading a man, with the man wriggling his body and twisting his hips in an attempt to appear feminine, does that look beautiful to you? When observing same-sex couples dancing, where there is only femininity and no masculinity, or vice versa, does that feel aesthetically appealing? Tango is governed by the principles of dance, not by ideologies. I need not repeat what I have elaborated on in my other articles regarding gender roles. Please refer to the following articles if you haven’t already read them: The Gender Roles in Tango, Femininity and Feminism in Tango (I), Femininity and Feminism in Tango (II), Tango and Gender Equality, Gender Expression in Tango, Tango and Gender Interdependence. I firmly believe that those who are not influenced by narrow-minded or extremist ideologies will not see such a division of labor as discriminatory against women. Male chauvinists might use the division of labor as evidence to claim male superiority and female inferiority, which is absurd. Feminists, in turn, aim to abolish or reverse gender roles, which is equally unreasonable.

I believe tango is a positive influence on the Western world. Real social progress is not radical but rational, moderate, gradual, and peaceful—much like nature itself. In its essence, nature is not revolutionary but evolutionary, fostering coexistence, balance, and harmony. It encourages the recognition of connections among various elements and the abandonment of radical ideologies such as individualism, feminism, liberalism, and power politics. Nature calls for prioritizing communal interests over self-interest, integration over segregation, adaptation over antagonism, moderation over extremism, compromise over obstinacy, love over hatred, and peace over war. In other words, nature stands in opposition to the extremist tendencies often found in Western ideologies that go against its principles. Tango embodies these natural principles, illustrating how the two sexes, as a unity of opposites, can coexist harmoniously through mutual attraction, interdependence, complementarity, accommodation, collaboration, and love. These qualities are key to its enduring popularity. Tango helps individuals understand the harm of hostility and the benefits of cooperation. It offers valuable lessons on living together in peace and harmony, making it a meaningful contributor to true human progress (see Tango: A Quiet Revolution of Connection).

How You Dance Matters

The drive to realize our potential, push boundaries, conquer the unknown, and possess more is deeply human. This same impulse has fueled extraordinary achievements—but also profound abuses. Our society is marked by extremes: unrestrained personal freedom, selfish individualism, ruthless capitalism, militant feminism, ultraconservatism, neoliberalism, religious fundamentalism, terrorism, radical technologies, monopolistic practices, lavish lifestyles, violent entertainment and sports, financial fraud, the gun lobby, reckless spending, over-taxation, environmental depletion, and man-made climate change.

Such excesses do not foster a cohesive or harmonious society. Instead, they breed conflict, inequality, division, hostility, and war. We swing from one extreme to another, failing to see that all forms of extremism stem from the same core flaws: greed, selfishness, ignorance, intolerance, and aggression. We are unwilling—or unable—to consider perspectives beyond our own. We lose sight of the broader context, forgetting that each individual is but a tiny dot in the grand mosaic. In our reliance on power and dominance, we ignore the consequences of imbalance. This relentless pursuit of self-interest will only escalate social conflicts, eventually leading to the collapse of civilization. This is not alarmism. Given the radical and rapid transformations since World War II, how much longer can Mother Nature endure our excesses? How much longer can humanity preserve peace?

I am not alone in these concerns. Whether consciously or not, the enduring appeal of tango reflects a deep nostalgia for lost humanity—a quiet rebellion against the dehumanizing forces of modern life. Tango captivates because it offers an alternative reality—one of connection, togetherness, interdependence, fraternity, and shared purpose. It revives the joy of supporting, comforting, and sharing, rather than competing and clashing. In tango, we find a refuge from animosity, a shoulder to lean on, a language of communication, cooperation, reconciliation, and compromise. Within its embrace, we rediscover the wisdom of Jesus, who preached love; Gandhi, who upheld nonviolence; Lao Tzu, who taught simplicity and harmony; and Confucius, who valued the Golden Mean. Tango embodies love, intimacy, equality, peace—and a vision of the world we yearn to build.

This is why tango draws so many into its embrace. And this is why it is heartbreaking to see tango distorted—reduced to spectacle, turned into a vehicle for ego, exploited for profit, or shaped by the demands of political correctness. These distortions strip tango of its soul and betray its ideals. They turn a dance that teaches love into one that feeds vanity, an art that uplifts humanity into one that diminishes it, a symbol of the world we aspire to build into a mirror of the very world we wish to transcend.

Just as more people now recognize the urgency of protecting our planet—our only home—we must also take responsibility for nurturing a more compassionate and harmonious human world. Those new to tango must understand that how they perceive it shapes how they learn and dance it. One can approach tango as mere entertainment, or as a dance that nurtures love. One can focus only on steps, or strive to connect deeply with another. One can dance to showcase ego, or to express care. One can seek to reinvent tango, or allow tango to transform them—and through that transformation, help transform the world.

How we dance matters. It leaves an impact, one way or another. (See Beauty Will Save the World.)