When I first started dancing tango, I was completely enchanted. Beyond the movements, I quickly realized I was diving into a complex world filled with culture, meaning, and history. A world I was definitely not expecting when joining that first class! Though at the moment, I wasn’t so conscious about it, looking back, it was as if I couldn’t get enough—I was hungry to learn more, see more, and dance more. Just a few months after beginning, I traveled to Buenos Aires to witness the World Championship for the first time. Everything about tango fascinated me, and I was eager to absorb it all.
Over time, I’ve noticed that tango’s complexity can be a bit overwhelming for some, especially in places far from its cultural roots, like the Nordic countries. The language barrier can be challenging, and connecting with the music’s sensitivities can feel distant. Culturally, there’s often a gap too. Growing up in Latin America, tango is ever-present in some form—whether through the music that our parents or grandparents listened to, movies, documentaries, or even as tourists. It’s a sound and a story that — in one way or another — is familiar and we connect it to something.
In the dance itself, the complexity can surprise newcomers. Watching professionals demonstrate a walk effortlessly across the floor, one might think it looks easy. But as soon as you try it yourself, you quickly realize that making it look effortless takes a lot of work. Here, perfectionism—an important aspect of Finnish culture—can be an obstacle: some students can feel discouraged, even clumsy, wonder if this dance is for them, and perhaps doubt they’ll ever get it right.
Through my journey, I’ve learned that patience and perseverance are essential to learning Argentine Tango. Talent helps, but it’s not the most important thing—patience is. But to develop the patience tango requires, you need strong motivation. Argentine Tango has to become more than just a hobby; you need to fall in love with it.

But what do you love when you love? asks Chilean poet Gonzalo Rojas in one of my favorite poems. Just like in love with another person, we all have different reasons to fall for tango. Below, I share seven reasons that have inspired me to love this dance, as well as what I’ve observed in my students and fellow dancers over the years.
1. Physical Connection
In a world where digital interactions are becoming more common, physical connection is becoming rare. But in tango, we develop a deep connection with our partners—one that transcends words. There’s something truly magical about dancing with a stranger, someone with whom you may not share a common language, yet still communicate through movement.
2. Intimacy
Closely tied to physical connection, the close embrace in Argentine Tango offers us the opportunity to build a unique trust and intimacy with our partners. We open up to different forms of intimacy that perhaps are unknown to us before the dance. Intimacy that is based on the trust to the other human being and the openness to show oneself vulnerable. This transforms the dance into an emotional and personal experience, one that feels more profound than just a performance.
3. Cultural Depth
Argentine Tango is a rich reflection of Argentine culture, born from the confluence of African, European, and indigenous traditions in Buenos Aires at the turn of the 20th century. For many dancers, part of the appeal lies in uncovering the mysteries of this nostalgic world, where dance is more than just movement—it’s a deeply ingrained social and cultural phenomenon.
4. Improvisation and Freedom
Argentine Tango as a social dance is highly improvisational. It’s not about following rigid choreography but adapting to the music and each other. The building blocks of the dance are very simple: steps and pivots (and few other elements), and though there are combinations that are taught in the lessons, these are never fixed and they can always be modified. This gives dancers room to express themselves, find their own style, and develop a unique identity within the dance.
5. Beautiful Music
Tango music is rich in emotion and complexity. Unlike other genres, it often carries raw, deep emotions and tells stories from the past—stories that resonate with those who are naturally inclined toward nostalgia. The rhythms and melodies inspire dancers, evoking feelings that are often difficult to put into words.
6. Community and Social Aspect
Tango has a vibrant, global community. Dancers gather at milongas (social dances) all over the world, where they come together to share experiences and enjoy the dance. You can virtually find Tango in every major city around the world. For this reason, Argentine Tango is an excellent way to meet new people and form meaningful connections, transcending social, cultural and geographical boundaries.
7. Mind-Body Connection
Argentine Tango requires focus, balance, and precision. It’s both a physical and mental workout, one that sharpens the body and mind. With practice, tango can become a meditative, mindful experience, requiring complete attention and fostering a deeper connection to your body.
No matter your personal reasons for falling in love with tango, I encourage you to look beyond its surface, to go deeper than just the “looks.” Like any true love, it’s easy to get caught up in the superficial allure, but for tango to truly capture your heart, you must embrace its core essence. It’s these essential elements—the ones that transcend appearances—that will keep you coming back, growing, and finding joy in every step.
See you on the dance floor!
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