How Argentine Tango Is Giving Back What The COVID Stole From Us

By: Anita Flejter, Co-founder of Ultimate Tango School of Dance.

Since the State of Massachusetts has received over 11 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, we could say there’s a small light at the end of the tunnel, promising the return of our social lives. However, for those that practice Argentine Tango, the light never went out. Why is that?

The dance is a source of passion and motivation, and it truly doesn’t matter where or under what circumstances Tango lessons are taking place. Tango has helped rebuild interactions within our local community through reuniting friends and strengthening student-teacher bonds, whether in-person or over zoom.

The rising need for social interaction, as we emerge from the pandemic, is evident. With its structured elements and sensual embrace, Argentine Tango can facilitate these interactions and attract a whole range of people wanting to reconnect.

Masks are obviously still a necessity, but overall what matters is that we’re getting back together. Here’s how Argentine Tango has impacted local communities and brought back what seemed to be lost during the pandemic.

Home, Office, Or Dance Floor?

After two years of spending plenty of time at home, we have rediscovered our spaces. Living rooms can be redesigned depending on their purpose; an office space, after-work safe-haven, or even a dance floor. Here are some of our students’ heartwarming stories –you’ll see that the only limitation is your creativity.

Firstly, a couple was planning to move to another apartment. Inspired by dancing, they opted only for real estate with a big enough space to roll out a carpet and practice Argentine Tango. They took this decision as, over the lockdown, they were determined to master all the movements, own the dance floor, and avoid stumbling between couches.

Another couple left behind them a deep and permanent trace of Tango passion in their apartment. How so? Their intense and excessive Tango practice led to completely battered floors with all the dynamic and vigorous movements. They might have worn out the parquet, but they certainly didn’t run out of motivation! In the end, they renovated their floors, and now being cautious not to destroy the new one, they’ve moved their practices to the kitchen. Tiles are durable and resistant to Tango movements and, more importantly – heeled shoes. Additionally, as tiles are more slippery, the couple is looking forward to facing a new challenge – working on their balance.

Last but not least, we have a couple who at first struggled with coordination. Eventually, they decided to update their entire living room interior design to avoid breakages while practicing. After Zoom Tango classes, they progressed so much that they are now confident enough to move around the glass and even fragile decorations. And now, they learnt that smaller spaces could help them to really master control and precision.

The New Reality

The pandemic enforced new daily schedules among all communities and industries. Many turned to remote work and online activities to find new types of entertainment. Our habits and routines were interrupted, and we all spent some full days in pajamas, changing only for Zoom meetings. But some people just decided to dance the evenings away.

Our students’ motivation and willingness to practice remotely are admirable. Not even late-evening courses seemed to be much of an obstacle. The students still enjoyed every minute of the class. We adjusted to the new reality, and many turned to our online lessons for an enriching experience.

Now, people are hungry for social interaction, and Tango classes in-person fit the bill. In Medford and Woburn, we’re now open for group classes and private lessons, inviting students to embrace Argentine Tango together once more. Every day we have seen new blood joining our classes and enriching the Tango community.

Rebuilding Social Connections Step By Step

As many schools return to in-person Argentine Tango classes, it should be noted that many only allow vaccinated people to register. We follow recommendations and restrictions from the city authorities where we are hosting the courses. Some couples choose to take extra precautions by not changing partners and exclusively practicing with one person.

Most people attending the lessons commonly choose to switch partners, looking for interactions with other class attendees. This is excellent news for rebuilding social connections post-pandemic. It opens up opportunities for single or widowed people to embrace again and enter the passionate world. Many dance schools are still offering Zoom classes on-demand. Still, if you wish to live through the whole experience of Tango and craving human interactions, You should join a local tanguero community near you.