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. 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 altruism, connection, cooperation, accommodation, and compromise. It is a dance that teaches the world to love.



February 5, 2025

Beauty Will Save the World


Tango dancers are people who pursue beauty. The heart of tango is all about grace, elegance, and deep emotional expression. Those who are drawn to tango are captivated not only by the intricate steps and fluid movements but also by the beauty that the dance represents. Dancers often pay close attention to how they look and carry themselves, making sure every move exudes refined taste and sophistication. Through their dedication to this art form, tango dancers add beauty to their lives and to the world around them, creating an atmosphere where art and elegance truly shine.

However, despite this pursuit of beauty, there is often a paradox within the tango community. Many dancers, while graceful on the dance floor, sometimes show less flattering sides of human nature in their interactions with others. Indifference, unfriendliness, arrogance, and a tendency to show off are not uncommon. Some dancers may even go out of their way to exclude people they see as competition. These behaviors stand in stark contrast to the elegance and harmony that tango embodies, creating a dissonance between the beauty of the dance and the attitudes of its practitioners.

True beauty is not confined to the aesthetics of movement or appearance; it is holistic and consistent. It encompasses the way we treat others, the kindness we show, and the respect we give to our fellow dancers. Real beauty transcends the superficial and penetrates deeper into our character and actions. A tango dancer who exudes elegance on the dance floor but treats others with disdain off it is not truly embodying the spirit of the dance. To be genuinely beautiful is to maintain consistency between one’s outward expression and inner values.

Dostoevsky once said, "Beauty will save the world." This profound statement speaks to the transformative power of beauty, not just in art but in life itself. The pursuit of beauty inspires individuals to combat all forms of ugliness - be it cruelty, arrogance, or indifference - and to strive for a better, more harmonious world. When we immerse ourselves in something as beautiful as tango, it should motivate us to carry that beauty beyond the dance floor, influencing how we engage with the world and the people in it.

As tango dancers, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example. By working on becoming better people, we can close the gap between the aesthetic beauty of the dance and the moral beauty of our actions. This kind of transformation starts with being self-aware and committing to align our behavior with the grace and elegance that tango stands for. When we show kindness, humility, and respect, we don’t just improve our own experience - we help create a more welcoming, beautiful community for everyone.

Ultimately, the beauty of tango is not just in the dance itself, but in the people who dance it. By striving to be better individuals, tango dancers can inspire others and help build a world that reflects the true essence of the art they love. The dance of beauty is not limited to what we do on the floor; it is a lifelong journey of becoming the best versions of ourselves.