Never Forget Why We Started

As our second anniversary approaches, we have much to be proud of. Over the past two years, our numbers have steadily grown, our dance skills have improved significantly, and we now host our own milonga on a regular basis. When we go out to dance as a group, we leave a positive impression. Bit by bit, we’re beginning to make our mark on the tango community in this city.

Yet, we must guard against complacency. We are still far from realizing our full vision. Our group remains small, our skills are still evolving, and our presence in the local scene is modest. The broader community continues to be shaped by Nuevo tango, and there is still a great deal of work ahead—both in our personal development and in building the kind of community we envision.

Some members, having grown more confident, feel ready to step out on their own. They want to showcase their skills, meet new people, and participate in events outside the group. As a result, some classes have been missed due to scheduling conflicts. A few feel they’ve outgrown the group or no longer need it—and some have already moved on.

While it’s natural and even healthy to explore beyond our circle, we must not lose sight of our original purpose. This group was not founded for individual advancement alone. We are bound by a shared mission: to promote the milonguero style of tango, to foster a vibrant tango community, to transform the tango culture in this city, and to bring more people into our cause (see Champaign Milongueros Group Charter).

Fulfilling that mission demands teamwork, commitment, discipline, responsibility, perseverance, and personal sacrifice. If we prioritize self-interest over our shared goals, we risk repeating the same mistakes that others have made—drifting for years without finding a place to truly belong. Individuals seeking independence will eventually realize that they need a home base: a place to learn, to grow, and to fully enjoy tango.

Creating a group of like-minded dancers is essential—because tango cannot be fully enjoyed with just anyone. True connection happens only when we share the same philosophy, embrace the same style, master the same technique, and reach a shared level of proficiency. Tango is not a solo journey; it’s the collective work of a group of like-minded, committed, and educated dancers. That’s why we must set aside individual egos, lift each other up, and work side by side to build a strong, united team, without whom one alone cannot enjoy tango no matter how good their dance skills are.

Of course, this is easier said than done. People learn at different speeds. Some dancers progress more quickly than others. It takes time and patience for everyone to reach the same level of skill. In the meantime, those who advance faster may feel tempted to seek out more experienced partners. But when we place personal ambition above our collective mission, the group suffers—and ultimately, everyone loses.

If we stay united, support each other, and keep the long-term vision in mind, the group will grow stronger, and everyone will benefit. It takes dedicated individuals to create a strong group, and a strong group to make a lasting impact. Until we reach that point, we cannot persuade others to join us or bring about meaningful change. Therefore, our priority must not be to flaunt our achievements but to focus on continuous self-improvement as a group. History is written by those who stay the course, work together, and never give up (see Tango in Small Cities).