Is Tango only for the Elite?
Everybody has its own definition of what is Tango. Some defined it as 2 people walking together with the music. Some will say it's all about PASSION. Whatever it is, it's very personal.
I got to know and loved this dance in Manila in 2010. I was intrigued, and interested to get to know this style of dance. Up to this moment i'm still intrigued and still learning this beautiful dance. But with my experiences and observations of Tango in southeast Asia, I found that it's very elitists! I understand that if you want to learn it, you will have to spend money for workshops and for the teachers. And it takes a lifetime to master it.
Tango festivals are always interesting. Organisers bring the newly crowned Tango champions, great teachers to encourage a lot of attendees. I know they are also spending a lot to bring these great performers for us to have the chance to see them and why they are the best.
When you are visiting from Europe, the Americas or other parts of the world, you will notice our Tango is different. Tango is new in Asia, but you can find Milongas (a place where you dance the Tango) almost in every capital. Is Tango growing? I believe it's not. You will find that if you go to the Milongas without a partner, you will find yourself sitting and watching most of the time. Most Asian men don't really dance. Especially dancing in a very close embrace. The custom here is that you have to hire a Tango partner. I was once working as a paid dancer. It is a good job. Personally, better than working in a concrete box, 8 hours by 5 days or more. It's a good way of making money, knowing that you have a good income, doing what you love and only 4 hours in a night.
As a Tanguero, it's a better position, because you will have a lot of followers and a lot of chances that you can dance the Tango. But as a single follower, going to Milongas, sometimes it's a bit intimidating, if you don't know anyone, and unwelcoming. You will have some threatening stares given at you. They are threatened that their paid partner will dance with you. Some ladies will allow it but most will not. You will be the reason of some of the dramas between the client and the partner of that night.
But why our Tango here is only for the rich? How come we can't encourage young people to also learn this dance? Is this the future of Tango? That Tango is only for the people that can afford a partner? To make Tango as a business is good in a way for people like me who also teaches but should we also be open to share it to all especially the young ones? The one that will carry on this really beautiful and passionate dance?
I am still hoping that Tango people in Asia will be more open and encouraging. But I know it won't.
I know I will have some Tango people that will opposed to why I wrote this. But what the heck, Tango started from humble people and definitely not from the Elite.
