Tango and Trust

Trust forms the foundation of human social life, acting as the glue that binds relationships and society together. Our need for trust arises from our inherent vulnerabilities, personal limitations, and interdependence. As social beings, humans seek trust-based connections that foster cooperation, teamwork, and mutual support—both physical and emotional. Trust fulfills not only practical needs, such as collaboration for survival and success, but also emotional needs, like overcoming loneliness and finding safety and connection. It is the mechanism through which we navigate vulnerability, form bonds, exchange support, and maintain social harmony. Without trust, we would struggle alone, unable to manage these fundamental aspects of life.

Tango, in particular, satisfies this universal need for trust, which is one of the reasons for its enduring popularity. As a dance of intimacy, connection, and surrender, tango transcends mere enjoyment or performance. It provides a sanctuary from loneliness, a space to express vulnerability, and an opportunity to seek solace in another's embrace. In tango, we long to touch and be touched, to lean on someone's shoulder, and to quench the thirst for connection and love. Dancing tango requires complete trust between partners, so that they can fully engage and immerse themselves in the experience. Tango heals psychologically by allowing us to expose our vulnerability and inner selves. This exposure or openness requires trust. Without it, dancers cannot give themselves completely, nor can they reap the emotional and psychological rewards of the dance.

On a practical level, trust is equally essential in tango because this dance relies on close physical contact, non-verbal communication, and mutual reinforcement to execute the movements, requiring dancers to be physically and mentally attuned to each other and trust that their partner will always be there for support. Trust sets dancers free. If trust is lacking, dancers can become self-conscious and tense, holding back emotionally and hesitating to let go. Unfortunately, this lack of trust remains a persistent challenge in our tango.

This struggle with trust in tango mirrors a broader societal issue. The erosion of trust in American society stems from a confluence of factors: rampant selfishness, systemic corruption, economic instability, heightened stress and competition, rising inequality, high inflation, commercial fraud, cybercrime, partisan divides, ideological conflicts, and media-driven misinformation. These forces create an atmosphere of suspicion and distrust. American culture prioritizes self-reliance, individual achievement, and personal success. People often focus more on their own needs and strategies than on moral considerations and collective well-being. This heightens tension, competition, and mistrust between individuals. As people face economic hardships, political polarization, and widespread deceit, they grow guarded, wary of manipulation and betrayal. This pervasive mistrust spills over into personal interactions, making it challenging to embrace the vulnerability that tango demands. When we don’t trust, we disengage, choosing alienation and control over connection and cooperation.

Tango offers profound lessons in the value of trust. In a world where trust is increasingly fragile, this intimate dance reminds us that human connection and cooperation are only possible when we trust each other. By embracing trust on the dance floor, we might rediscover how to restore it in the wider world. Confucius recognized trust as one of the essential human virtues, alongside benevolence, justice, propriety, and wisdom. Tango, with its foundation in trust, serves as a powerful reminder of these qualities and a means to rebuild faith in our shared humanity. Through this dance of vulnerability and connection, we can relearn how to rely on one another. Tango teaches us the joy that comes from surrendering control in the right context, reminding us that not every moment requires us to be in charge. Often, the most profound fulfillment lies in trusting each other and moving together in harmony.