Stories of Transformation: How Tango Dancing Changes Lives

"The Transformative Power of Tango: A Journey of Health, Friendship, and Joy"

I started to dance at age 57 for the first time in my life. The study and practice of tango became my passion and changed my life in so many ways. Through tango, I improved my health and mental acuity. I nurtured beautiful partnerships, formed new friendships, and enhanced my social life. Tango can unlock the transformational power within all of us and make us feel vibrant and alive. When tango becomes your way of life, you wish for more people to experience the same benefits. Thank you to the US Tango Foundation for the work you do in promoting tango and uplifting our entire community."

~ Carolina Oria - (Boca Raton, Florida)

A man and a woman performing argentine tango on stage

"Dancing Through Life: How Tango Became My Passion and Purpose"

“Allow me to take a retrospective view back to February 1998, when a friend of mine invited me to a fund-raising event organized by her church, where six Argentine tango couples from Club CITA, were among the entertainers, and performed a group dance exhibition to the sound of Osvaldo Pugliese. Had anyone told me then that 26 years later I would become an avid Argentine Tango Dancer, I would have burst out laughing and/or “laughed out loud”, to repeat this colloquial and commonly used today’s social media jargon. In all objectivity, I will admit that Argentine tango has not only become my favorite and only dance and my daily exercise, but it is essentially my way of living or my lifestyle. As a bachelor, I remember how painful and lonely my weekends used to be, when I was not yet a tango dancer, as opposed to how joyful my ends of the week are presently. Hence, one can easily assimilate that Argentine Tango has the potential to fill the emotional voids that most of us human experience. To sum it up, may I unequivocally state that Argentine tango satisfies some of the needs that are listed in Abraham Maslow’s "Hierarchy of Needs." In short, I would not be as content as I am today, had I not come across Argentine Tango at that fundraising event.”.

- Joseph Philoxy (Hallandale, Florida)

"My Tango Journey: A World of New Friendships, Adventures, and Endless Learning"

To me, tango is not just a dance but a language through which we can communicate with people from all walks of life non-verbally. It always fascinates me how it can bring two strangers so close and sometimes forge lifelong friendships instantly. Through tango, I have met many interesting and wonderful people and have formed close friendships. It has taken me to places I never dreamed of going. With its rich music and challenging moves, tango is never boring, and there is always something new to learn. Speaking of friends, Lorena Diaz has been a part of the tango scene for as long as I can remember. Her passion and dedication to tango are truly commendable. We are grateful to have her in our community, and we extend our best wishes to the US Tango Foundation.

Dipeche (Miami, Florida)

"Falling in Love with Tango: A Journey of Mindfulness and Connection"

My story with tango began 15 years ago when a group of friends returned from a trip to Argentina. I heard about their fascination with the dance and they invited me to attend a class with them. I didnt know back then that tango was going to become my favorite dance and social activity! I found out that tango beyond the dance and connection was also a form of mindfulness and therapy, a meditation state of mind. Since tango is a co-creation with the partner, it is necessary to be fully present 100% of the time in order to be able to respond to the partner and smoothly express the music. It took me years to understand the importance of the walk and posture and being able to stay relaxed within the embrace. Tango has become a healthy addiction and a lifestyle that i am so grateful to have.

- Nada Yared (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)

A group of people dancing Argentine Tango in a Milonga

"How Tango Transformed My Life: A Path to Self-Discovery"

"Dancing Argentine Tango has profoundly changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. When I first stepped onto the dance floor in 2009, I was searching for a new way to connect with myself and others. What I found was much more than just a dance—Argentine Tango became a powerful catalyst for my personal growth and connection.

The intricate steps and passionate movements of Tango challenged me to develop a greater discipline, patience, and self-expression. The dance taught me to listen deeply, not just to the rhythm of the music, but to my partner and to my own emotions. This heightened awareness has carried over into my daily life, enhancing my relationships and my ability to navigate complex situations with grace and confidence.

Moreover, the Tango community has been a source of incredible support and camaraderie. Through the dance, I’ve met people from diverse backgrounds who share a common love for this art form. The connections I’ve forged in this community have enriched my social life and provided a sense of belonging that is truly special.

In essence, Argentine Tango has been more than just a hobby; it has been a transformative journey that has deepened my self-awareness, improved my interpersonal skills, and brought joy and fulfillment into my life. If you’re looking for a dance that will not only teach you how to move but also inspire you to grow and connect on a deeper level, Argentine Tango is a dance like no other."

- Lisa Valle (Hallandale Beach, Florida)

Women Dancing Argentine Tango in a Closed Embrace

"Argentine Tango - My Passion and My LIfe"

Argentine Tango what is this dance that has a riveting effect and attraction and that has you dancing in a close embrace with a complete stranger!! It is the music, the songs, the lyrics, the bandoneon that just takes you in and engulfs you!!

Approximately 25 years ago I was introduced to Argentine Tango in Houston, Texas. I went to see the dance because on a whim I planned to go to Argentina! What I saw was a dance and music that I felt captivated by and fell in love with and naively said “I can do that dance” and 25 years later I am still learning and perfecting my dance style. That is the beauty of Argentine Tango, there is no arrival. It is the journey of the dance, the people and the music that keeps me going to Milongas with the commitment to continue to improve with the dance.

Learning how to dance the Argentine Tango has a direct correlation with the benefits of mental clarity, release of stress and a social community together with the challenge of continual improvement of one’s own style! It is a social and bonding dance and I have danced all over the world; in Europe, Dubai, Australia, USA, Mexico, Argentina and other countries in Latin America!! You can go anywhere in the world, walk into a milonga and feel like YOU ARE HOME!!!

I can also walk into a milonga anywhere in the world and feel welcomed and not feel intimated. I met my first husband at a Milonga in Houston and my wedding was in Buenos Aires with a tango theme with professional dancers, ourselves dancing, and wedding favors of tangueros!! I continually challenge myself for the love of tango to dance better at higher levels and am committed to classes and private lessons and trips to Buenos Aires. There is no mistaking the power of the tango and the intoxication of tango and the number of excellent ballerinas and milongueros of Tango in Buenos Aires with the energy and the passion of Tango!!!

Lorena, thank you for your complete dedication to tango and the community. I have seen you take a leadership role and an innovative and creative role for the betterment of the community and to continue to enhance the level of tango and the opportunities to teach and show us this amazing, sexy, healing and bonding dance!! From the Pebetas, to Lincoln Road, to DJing, to Tango Embrace and to your lovely clothes….Thank you!!"

Diana Perez (Aventura, Florida)