Tango is not only a fascinating dance but also a fascinating philosophy, culture and lifestyle. The search of tango is the search of connection, love, fellowship, unity, harmony and beauty, i.e., an idealism that is not consistent with the dehumanizing reality of the modern world. The world divides us into individuals, but tango unites us into a team, community and species. In tango we are not individualists, feminists, nationalists, Democrats, Republicans, etc., but interconnected and interdependent members of the human family. Tango calls us to tear down the walls, to build bridges, and to regain humanity through affinity, altruism, cooperation, and accommodation. It is a dance that teaches the world to love.



December 20, 2023

Tango and Interdependence between the Sexes


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.

Feminists blindly oppose women's dependence on men. But the dependence of women is a result of natural selection, helping the two sexes form a sustainable relationship for the benefit of offspring and the proliferation of the species. Women's beauty makes them attractive to men, aids in human propagation. Women's tenderness and sentimentality complement men's toughness and strength, fostering mutual attraction. Women's petiteness and fragility make them sensitive to other's vulnerabilities, making them good mothers and caregivers. Women's hormonal fluctuations during menstruation associated with their fertility, and their need for support during pregnancy and childbirth, make them more dependent in some ways, 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 solidarity, cooperation, shared responsibility, and a more harmonious relationship.

Similarly, men 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. can complement men's areas where they benefit from women's inputs and support.

The interdependence and mutual attraction between the sexes is the eternal and most moving theme of 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, satisfying both genders. Women are drawn to tango as it allows them to express their attachment and dependence, while men find satisfaction in women's reliance and obedience. (See Close Embrace and Open Embrace (I).)

Long-term observation and experience have convinced me that a good tango is one that satisfies the needs between the sexes, rather than the kind of performance that only cares about images. Proficient tangueras excel in conveying women's attachment and dependence on men while bringing contentment to their male partner through dance. Similarly, skilled tangueros can satisfy women's attachment and dependence while allowing their feminine beauty to shine. Deepening this knowledge and polishing the skills to fulfil your parner's needs should be the lifelong pursuit of every tango dancer. (See Artistic Sublimation and Vulgarism in Tango.)