Tango – Tango Guide

Is Tango a Remedy for the Soul?

tangoguide — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 03:35:01 +0000

Tango: A Remedy for the Soul?

Blog Post

Tango is not just a dance; it is a silent yet powerful conversation between two bodies. Unlike text messages or virtual chats, tango requires complete presence, deep listening, and synchronized movement.

Is Tango a Remedy for the Soul? Exploring Its Healing Power & Global Impact

In a world where screens dominate our interactions and digital fatigue is on the rise, the need for meaningful human connection has never been greater. The fast-paced nature of modern life, coupled with the rise of virtual interactions, has left many feeling disconnected from themselves and others.

Yet, amid the chaos of endless notifications and fleeting social media exchanges, tango remains a remedy for the soul—a dance that fosters connection, tangibility, and deep emotional expression. This art form, rich in history and movement, is more than just a performance—it’s an experience, a lifestyle, and a therapy in itself.

Whether you’re a millennial searching for purpose, Gen Z seeking authenticity, or Gen Alpha growing up in a digital world, tango provides an immersive escape. It is a space where the digital fades, and the physical and emotional take center stage.

The Healing Power of Tango

More Than a Dance: A Language of Connection

Studies support the therapeutic benefits of tango. The close embrace—one of its defining elements—triggers the release of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”, which is associated with reduced stress and increased trust(Field, 2010). This tactile and emotionally charged experience transforms tango into more than just an art form—it becomes a remedy for the soul.

Tango as an Alternative Therapy

Unlike traditional therapy or solo workouts, tango fosters human connection. Through physical closeness, musical expression, and synchronized movement, it activates neural pathways linked to empathy and trust. This makes it a deeply relational and emotionally rewarding activity that enhances both personal well-being and interpersonal relationships.

The Science Behind Tango’s Healing Power

Scientific studies confirm tango’s effectiveness as a therapeutic tool. Research shows that dancing tango:

Improves balance, mood, and cognitive function, especially in older adults (McKinley et al., 2008).
Reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression due to its tactile and embodied nature (Quiroga Murcia et al., 2010).
Enhances emotional resilience by fostering non-verbal communication and deeper self-expression.

Physical Health Benefits of Tango

Boosts cardiovascular health – The intricate footwork and sustained movement increase stamina and heart health.
Enhances balance and coordination – Tango’s precision-based movements improve stability, reducing the risk of falls.
Increases muscle strength and flexibility – The dance engages multiple muscle groups, promoting strength and posture.

Mental Health Benefits of Tango

Reduces stress and anxiety – The immersive nature of tango allows dancers to focus on the present, acting as a mindfulness practice.
Improves cognitive function – Learning and memorizing dance sequences stimulate brain function and memory.
Encourages emotional expression – Tango provides a safe outlet for emotions, strengthening interpersonal connections.

Tango as a Counterbalance to Digital Overload

Breaking Free from the Digital Age

Modern society is experiencing a crisis of digital dependency. Research indicates that excessive social media use increases anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness, particularly among millennials and Gen Z (Twenge, 2017).

So, how does tango counteract this? Unlike virtual interactions, tango requires full-body awareness, present-moment engagement, and real human connection. It encourages dancers to disconnect from screens and reconnect with their emotions, bodies, and community.

The Tangibility of Tango: A Dance You Can Feel

Tango is an inherently tactile experience. The gentle yet firm embrace, the rhythmic footwork, and the energy exchange between partners create a profound sensory journey.

According to philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty, human experience is rooted in the body. Tango exemplifies this principle by transforming intangible emotions into physical movement, allowing dancers to express feelings beyond words (Merleau-Ponty, 1962).

Embodiment in Tango: The Art of Being Present

Tango is not just about movement—it is emotion in motion. Every step, pivot, and pause tells a unique story, making it one of the most emotionally expressive dance forms.

For those who feel disconnected from their physical selves due to sedentary lifestyles or digital dependence, tango offers a grounding and restorative practice. It fosters mindful movement, helping dancers process and release emotions in a holistic and healing way.

Tango Across Generations: A Timeless Connection

Each generation experiences tango differently, yet the dance remains a bridge between cultures, traditions, and personal growth.

How Different Generations Connect with Tango

Generation	Tango’s Role in Their Lives
The Greatest Generation (1901–1927)	Witnessed tango’s Golden Age, experiencing its rise as a cultural movement.
The Silent Generation (1928–1945)	Saw tango’s peak and decline due to political repression, yet cherish it with nostalgia.
Baby Boomers (1946–1964)	Played a role in reviving tango in the 1980s, rediscovering its social and cultural value.
Generation X (1965–1980)	Discovered tango’s resurgence through Tango Argentino, embracing it as an artistic and personal expression.
Millennials (1981–1996)	Seek authenticity and mindfulness in tango, countering the superficiality of digital life.
Generation Z (1997–2010)	Explore tango as a way to reconnect with human touch and creativity in an increasingly virtual world.
Generation Alpha (2010–2024)	Learn tango as a social, emotional, and physical development tool, offering an alternative to screen time.

Tango evolves with each generation, offering nostalgia to older dancers, artistic freedom to Gen X and millennials, and a digital detox for Gen Z and beyond.

How to Start Your Tango Journey (Globally)

Whether you are looking for classes, milongas, or tango retreats, Tango.Guide connects you with handpicked events, experiences, and learning opportunities worldwide.

Find a Tango Class Near You – Browse curated tango schools and instructors globally.
Attend a Tango Event – Discover milongas, festivals, and immersive experiences hand-picked by experts.
Join a Tango Tour or Retreat – Experience exclusive tango journeys designed for dance lovers.
Listen to Tango Music – Deepen your appreciation by exploring traditional and modern tango orchestras.

Explore Tango Worldwide → Tango.Guide

Conclusion: Is Tango a Remedy for the Soul?

Absolutely. Tango is not just a dance—it is an experience, a connection, and a transformative practice. By embracing tangibility, embodiment, and human connection, tango revives the soul and nourishes the mind and body.

At Tango.Guide, we bring you closer to the most authentic tango experiences worldwide.

So, where will your tango journey take you next? Let’s explore together!

Discover Global Tango Events & Tours → Tango.Guide

Is Tango a Remedy for the Soul?

Milonga Preferences Survey

A Quartet sounds good as Orq. Tipica?

At Tango.Guide, we aim to provide the best tango travel destinations, events, tango training news and other tango related activities locally and globally all in one place for you.

Milonga Preferences Survey

tangoguide — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 23:11:14 +0000

What Do Tango Dancers Really Want? Insights from the Milonga Preferences Survey

Blog Post

Milonga Preferences Survey

Milonga preferences Survey results are in

1. Introduction

Every milonga is a unique experience, with elements that come together to create the perfect night of tango dancing. But what are the most important factors that make or break a milonga for the dancers themselves?

To find out, we conducted a survey to gather insights from tango dancers of various experience levels and attendance frequencies. From the quality of the DJ’s music to the atmosphere of the venue, we asked respondents to rank what matters most to them when choosing a milonga. The results reveal valuable patterns that can help organizers create events that cater to the needs and desires of the tango community.

In this post, we’ll dive into the results, comparing the preferences of different groups of dancers based on their experience and how often they attend milongas. Whether you’re a dancer looking for the best event or an organizer hoping to improve your next milonga, this survey provides key insights into what dancers truly want.

2. Survey Overview

The Milonga Preferences Survey was designed to uncover the most important elements that make a milonga enjoyable for dancers. We asked respondents to rank nine key factors:

DJ quality
Cost of the event
Who is attending
Quality of the floor
Ambiance of the venue
Length of the event
Snacks provided
Who organizes the milonga
Maestro performances

Respondents were grouped based on two main criteria:

Experience Level: Less than 1 year, 1-3 years, 3-5 years, and more than 5 years of tango experience.
Attendance Frequency: Attending weekly or more frequently, attending 2-3 times a month, once a month and less than once a month.

By comparing the preferences of dancers across these groups, we aimed to discover not only which factors are most important overall, but also how priorities shift depending on a dancer’s experience and how often they attend milongas.

This chart visualizes the individual preferences of each respondent in the survey. Each bar represents a specific milonga factor (e.g., DJ, Ambiance, Cost), and the length of the bar indicates how a respondent ranked that factor, with shorter bars indicating higher importance and longer bars indicating lower importance.

Respondents were asked to rank various factors that contribute to their decision-making when attending milongas, such as:

DJ: The quality of the music.
Ambiance of Venue: The atmosphere and environment of the event.
Cost: The price of attending the milonga.
Who is Attending: The importance of the people attending the event.

In the chart, you’ll notice that factors like the DJ or Ambiance often have shorter bars for many respondents, indicating that these aspects are considered highly important by the majority. On the other hand, factors like Snacks or Length of Event may have longer bars, showing that they are ranked lower in importance by respondents.

This visual helps us understand the diversity of preferences among tango dancers and the factors that play a key role in their decision to attend a milonga. As you watch the chart progress, you can see which factors emerge as consistently important or unimportant across the surveyed group, offering valuable insights into event planning and prioritizing resources to enhance dancer satisfaction.

Who were the respondents?

3. Respondent Breakdown

The survey received responses from 365 tango dancers across various experience levels and attendance frequencies.

Here’s a breakdown of the respondents:

By Experience Level:
Most respondents have more than 5 years of tango experience, with smaller groups in the 3-5 years, 1-3 years, and less than 1 year categories.

More than 5 years: 308 respondents (84.4%)
3-5 years: 30 respondents (8.7%)
1-3 years: 20 respondents (5.5%)
Less than a year: 5 respondents (1.4%)

By Attendance Frequency:
The majority of respondents attend milongas frequently (weekly or more), followed by those who attend regularly (2-3 times a month), occasionally (once a month), and rarely (less than once a month).

Frequently (Weekly or more): 191 respondents (52.3%)
Regularly (2-3 times a month): 106 respondents (29%)
Occasionally (Once a month): 47 respondents (12.9%)
Rarely (Less than once a month): 21 respondents (5.8%)

3.1 Key Findings

DJ Quality is King

Across all respondent groups, the DJ was ranked as one of the most important factors. Experienced dancers in particular placed a high priority on the DJ’s ability to curate a musical journey that keeps the energy of the night flowing. Even less experienced and rare attendees acknowledged that the quality of the DJ can make or break a milonga. One respondent mentioned, “A great DJ can keep you dancing all night, while poor music makes it hard to stay engaged.”

Cost Matters for New Dancers

For less experienced dancers (those with 1-3 years of experience) and those who attend milongas less frequently, cost was a key factor. Many respondents indicated that ticket prices influence their decision to attend a milonga, particularly if they are newer to tango and are not yet committed to attending regularly. In contrast, experienced dancers who attend more frequently placed less importance on the cost of entry, focusing more on other elements like the quality of the dance floor or the ambiance.

Floor Quality and Ambiance Are Essential for Regulars

Frequent attendees and experienced dancers rated floor quality and ambiance highly. For those who attend milongas regularly, a smooth, well-maintained dance floor is essential for an enjoyable experience. The ambiance of the venue, including the lighting, layout, and overall atmosphere, was also ranked as critical for creating a memorable night of dancing. One respondent noted, “A good floor is vital for smooth dancing, and the ambiance sets the mood. These are the things that keep me coming back.”

What does the chart show? The chart shows how people ranked different aspects of a milonga (like “DJ,” “Cost,” “Snacks,” etc.) in terms of importance, where 1 = Most Important and 10 = Least Important.
How to read the chart:
- Middle line (Median): This line inside the box shows the middle ranking. If the middle line is closer to 1, it means people generally found this factor important. If it’s closer to 10, people didn’t think it was important.
- The size of the box: A narrow box means most people had similar opinions about that factor. A wider box means opinions were more spread out (some people thought it was important, while others didn’t).
- Dots (Outliers): If you see dots far outside the box, it means a few people rated the factor much differently than most people.
What does the chart say about each factor?
- DJ: The DJ is ranked very highly by most people. The middle of the box is near the lower numbers (closer to 1), meaning it’s one of the most important aspects for the attendees.
- Cost: People also care about the cost, but there’s a wider range of opinions. Some found it very important, while others ranked it less important.
- Snacks: The middle of the box for snacks is higher (closer to 10), showing that most people didn’t think snacks were very important. There might also be some outliers, meaning a few people thought snacks were much more important than others.
- Who is attending: Similar to the DJ, this factor has a low median, meaning it’s very important to people.

3.2 Key Insights:

DJ and “Who is attending” are consistently seen as the most important factors.
Snacks and Maestro performance tend to be seen as less important, though some people feel strongly about them (indicated by possible outliers).
The cost is important, but there are mixed feelings about how crucial it is compared to other factors.

4. Detailed Analysis

4.1 Experience Level Differences

When we compared responses based on experience level, the data revealed interesting trends. Dancers with more than 5 years of experience consistently ranked DJ quality and floor quality as their top priorities, whereas those with 1-3 years of experience placed greater emphasis on cost and who is attending. This suggests that newer dancers may prioritize social connections and affordability when deciding to attend a milonga, while more experienced dancers focus on the technical aspects of the dance.

Comparison of Preferences by Experience Level:
Let’s compare how the preferences vary between people with different tango experience levels (e.g., new dancers vs. experienced ones).

The chart compares how less experienced dancers (1-3 years) and experienced dancers (5+ years) rank various factors at milongas. You can see how preferences for elements like the DJ, maestro performance, and floor quality differ between the two groups. Error bars represent the 95% confidence intervals, indicating the variability in responses.

Key Insights:

DJ is ranked less important by less experienced dancers (average rank: 4.77) compared to experienced dancers (average rank: 3.31).
Snacks are ranked lower in importance by both groups, but especially by experienced dancers (7.19 vs. 6.28 for less experienced).
Maestro performance is considered more important by less experienced dancers (6.50) compared to experienced dancers (7.51).

Both groups seem to value Who is attending fairly similarly (3.72 for less experienced and 3.71 for experienced).

Data Insights (t-test):
DJ Importance: Experienced dancers place greater importance on the DJ than less experienced dancers. This may be due to a deeper appreciation of how a good DJ enhances the dancing experience.

Significant difference (p<0.05) — experienced dancers rank the DJ higher in importance.

Cost: Cost is more important to less experienced dancers, which may reflect their sensitivity to the price of events as they are still becoming accustomed to attending milongas.

Significant difference (p<0.05) — less experienced dancers rank cost as more important.

Who is Attending: Both groups show similar preferences for who is attending, though less experienced dancers seem to place slightly more importance on this factor.

No significant difference — both groups rank this factor similarly.

Quality of Floor: Experienced dancers care more about floor quality, likely due to their better understanding of how it affects their dancing.

Significant difference (p<0.05) — experienced dancers rank the floor quality higher.

Ambiance of Venue: Experienced dancers rank ambiance as more important, suggesting they seek a more holistic tango experience that includes the environment.

No significant difference — both groups value ambiance similarly.

Who Organizes: Both groups rank the importance of the organizer similarly, although less experienced dancers seem to prioritize this factor slightly more, possibly relying on the reputation of organizers.

No significant difference — the groups rank this factor similarly.

Maestro Performance: Significant difference (p<0.05) — less experienced dancers value maestro performances more.

4.2 Attendance Frequency Differences

A similar pattern emerged when we looked at attendance frequency. Those who attend milongas weekly or more frequently were more concerned with the ambiance and DJ, while rare attendees (those who attend less than once a month) showed more interest in cost and maestro performances. Rare attendees are likely drawn to milongas for special occasions or performances, whereas frequent attendees expect a high-quality experience with great music and atmosphere.

This chart compares the preferences of frequent attendees (weekly or more) and rare attendees (less than once a month) across factors like DJ importance, cost, who is attending, floor quality, ambiance, and who organizes the event. The error bars represent the 95% confidence intervals.

Key Insights:

Cost is ranked slightly less important by rare attendees (6.44) compared to frequent attendees (5.66).
Maestro performance is significantly less important to frequent attendees (7.63) compared to rare attendees (6.56).
Snacks are ranked similarly by both groups but slightly lower in importance for frequent attendees (7.08) than for rare attendees (6.88).
Who is attending and DJ are important to both groups, though they rank slightly higher importance for frequent attendees.

Data Insights (t-test):
DJ Importance: Frequent attendees value the DJ slightly more than rare attendees, reflecting their desire for consistent, high-quality music.

Significant difference (p<0.05) — frequent attendees rank DJ importance higher.

Cost: Rare attendees are more concerned with the cost of events than frequent attendees, who may view milongas as a regular part of their social routine.

Significant difference (p<0.05) — rare attendees place more importance on cost.

Who is Attending: Frequent attendees place more importance on who is attending, suggesting they enjoy dancing with familiar partners or being part of a specific tango community.

Significant difference (p<0.05) — frequent attendees care more about who is attending.

Quality of Floor: Frequent attendees care more about the quality of the floor, as they likely experience the venue more regularly and notice differences in floor conditions.

Significant difference (p<0.05) — frequent attendees rank the floor quality higher.

Ambiance of Venue: Frequent attendees rank ambiance as highly important, while rare attendees show more variability in their responses.

Significant difference (p<0.05) — frequent attendees place more importance on ambiance.

Who Organizes: Frequent attendees care more about who organizes the event, likely due to their higher expectations for well-run events that cater to regular dancers.

No significant difference — both groups rank the importance of the organizer similarly.

Maestro Performance: Significant difference (p<0.05) — rare attendees give more importance to maestro performances.

5. Insights for Event Organizers

Based on the results of the survey, milonga organizers can take several steps to improve the experience for attendees. For example, investing in established and good DJs and maintaining a smooth, comfortable dance floor should be top priorities, particularly for regular, experienced dancers who attend milongas frequently. Additionally, creating a unique ambiance with appropriate lighting and decor can enhance the overall mood of the event.

To attract less experienced and budget-conscious attendees, organizers might consider offering discounts or package deals that lower the barrier to entry. Special events, such as maestro performances, could also draw in attendees who don’t frequent milongas regularly but are enticed by high-profile performances. Additionally, ensuring a friendly, inclusive atmosphere can help make newer dancers feel comfortable, as many respondents indicated that who is attending is an important factor for them.

By understanding and catering to the specific needs of different dancer segments, organizers can create more successful and well-attended milongas that meet the diverse preferences of the tango community.

Limitations of the Survey

While the survey provides valuable insights into milonga preferences, there are a few limitations that may impact the generalizability and depth of the findings such as Sample Size and Representation, Self-Reporting Bias, Limited Scope of Factors, Ranking Scale Limitations etc.

Organizers should consider these limitations when interpreting the results. A more comprehensive approach, including larger, more diverse samples, qualitative questions, and demographic information, would lead to a deeper understanding of dancers’ preferences and help inform more targeted event planning.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Milonga Preferences Survey has shed light on what matters most to tango dancers when they choose which events to attend. From the critical importance of the DJ and floor quality to the social connections that newer dancers seek, these insights offer valuable guidance for both organizers and attendees. Whether you’re looking for the perfect milonga or planning your next event, understanding these preferences can help create an unforgettable tango experience. We’d love to hear your thoughts—what do you prioritize when attending a milonga? Let us know in the comments, and see you on the dance floor!

Is Tango a Remedy for the Soul?

Milonga Preferences Survey

A Quartet sounds good as Orq. Tipica?

At Tango.Guide, we aim to provide the best tango travel destinations, events, tango training news and other tango related activities locally and globally all in one place for you.

A Quartet sounds good as Orq. Tipica?

tangoguide — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 05:43:00 +0000

A Quartet sounds good as Orq. Tipica?

Blog Post

A Quartet sounds good as Orq. Tipica?

This is Tango Bardo, ladies and gentlemen. Tango Bardo is a “Cuarteto Tipico Tanguero” with a Bandoneon, Piano, Base and Violin.

Formed in 2013, in the style of Juan Darienzo with their debut at La Viruta in Buenos Aires. They rapidly became a sensation around the world with shows in Turkey, USA; China, Thailand, Singapore, France, Japan, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, Spain.

The band:

Juan Miguens | Double bass

Lucas Furno | Violin

Santiago Polimeni | Bandoneón

Lorena Donvito | Piano

Roberto Minondi | Singer

Tango Bardo busca un sonido crudo, potente y real

They would say they play more connected with the roots of tango, far from the academic vision of music. For these musicians it is paramount to create aconnection with the dancers.

Dancers can experience the “mugre” and “yeites” of each instrument and the connection between them. Their repertorio can vary from tangos typical of the 20s to tango nuevos and can span from styles like Pugliese, Piazzolla, Troilo, Di Sarli o Tanturi.

The most important is the “sonoridad fresca” and the development of “un sonido personal”.

Who are they?

Lucas Furno | Violin

Started playing with the Orquesta Tipica Gende de Tango and then joined Almatrio starting his touring career as a musician with milongas and festivals in Europe. He then joined groups like La Chicana, Seduccion Tango, Estampas Portenas and Tango Legends in more performance around the world. He took part in tango shows such as: Madero Tango, Rojo Tango Faena, Sabor a Tango, Almatango, Bar sur, El Cafe del os Angelitos and Tango Porteno and at the Festival de circo in Montreal. He led the Orquesta Elvino Vardaro with more than 50 concerts and inaugurated the Festival de Tango de la Ciudad 2012 in Teatro Colon. He has most recently been at the helm of Tango Bardo and worked with Orquesta Romantica Milonguera playing around the world.

Roberto Minondi | Singer

With more than 22 year of professional experience as a tango singer, Roberto is one of the top Tango singers in the world. He is currently the lead singer in Tango Bardo and Orquesta Romantica Milonguera touring the world. He has been part of Orquesta tipica Tanturi, Romantica Milonguera, the show Cafe Tortoni, the trio Minondi Guiraldez Cane, and participated to the Festival de Tango de Buenos Aires 2014.

Lorena Donvito | Piano

With more than 20 year of professional career as a tango piano player, Lorena has performed in Teatro General San Martin, Mundial de Tango 2018, Grand Buenos Aires, and around Europe.

Juan Miguens | Double Bass

Worked for more than two decades in several premier ensembles including: Esquina Carlos Gardel, Tango Porteno, Cafe de los Angelitos, Tango Legends. He worked in orchestras such as Romantica Milonguera, Orquesta Tipica Almagro, Orqesta Tipica Villa Crespo, La Pichuco, La Juan Darienzo. He currently works as double bass for Tango Bardo.

Santiago Polimeni | Bandoneón

Started is career as a bandoneon player and composer for Orquesta escuela de tango led by Emilio Balcarce. Formed part of tango bands such as Tango x 2, Tango Buenos Aires, Dramatic Tango, and Tango Argentino travelling and playing in the USA, Japan, Mexico, Italy and Hong Kong.

He was invited as a soloist to play with the South Australia Opera. He has worked with Orquesta nacional de musica Argentina Juan de dios Filiberto and Orquesta del tango de Buenos Aires. As a composer, he played at Teatro Colon and with “Forever Tango”. He recently featured as a musician in the movie “Un tango mas”.

Is Tango a Remedy for the Soul?

December 19, 2024 1 Comment

Milonga Preferences Survey

September 14, 2024 No Comments

A Quartet sounds good as Orq. Tipica?

July 1, 2024 No Comments

At Tango.Guide, we aim to provide the best tango travel destinations, events, tango training news and other tango related activities locally and globally all in one place for you.

San Pugliese

tangoguide — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 05:43:00 +0000

San Pugliese

Blog Post

San Pugliese

Born on December 2, 1905, in Buenos Aires’ Villa Crespo neighborhood, Osvaldo Pugliese became a pivotal figure in popular tango milonga.

Despite hailing from a family of musicians, young Pugliese initially resisted following in their footsteps, even though his father gifted him a piano.

In 1918, Pugliese had already left primary school to work in graphic printing. Nevertheless, he preferred playing guitar and bandoneon by ear with his friends. Eventually, his father persuaded him to take piano lessons from Antonio D’Agostino, marking the beginning of his unstoppable career. His early works, like “Recuerdo” and “Suckers,” were composed, leading to professional gigs at “Café de la Chancha” and forming his first sextet with Pedro Maffia. In 1939, he finally established his own orchestra.

However, his journey wasn’t without challenges. The rise of talkies and the Great Depression in 1929 forced many musicians, including Pugliese, to form a union to combat unemployment. Pugliese’s commitment to improving musicians’ working conditions led to significant strikes and union victories. His affiliation with the Communist Party in 1936 brought him numerous challenges, including censorship and jail time in the ’40s and ’50s.

Pugliese remained critical of cultural policies during the dictatorships of the ’60s and ’70s but remained optimistic about tango’s future. In 1985, during a democratic era, his orchestra performed at the prestigious Teatro Colón. On July 25, 1995, at 89 years old, Pugliese passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy. Below is an interview from May 1981, where Pugliese shared insights on his life and music.

Osvaldo Pugliese: “National Sovereignty Also Defends Culture”

More than 60 years after his foray into tango, Osvaldo Pugliese remains a steadfast advocate for Argentina’s most representative music. At 75, he reflects on the musicians’ hard struggles and laments the decline from tango’s golden era. Tango has mirrored Argentina’s turbulent history, enduring ups and downs, controversies, and cultural shifts.

Despite the challenges, Pugliese believes in tango’s resilience. He criticizes how cultural policies have marginalized tango, overshadowed by the influx of foreign music. Yet, he holds onto the hope that the rich tradition and spirit of tango will prevail.

Q: How did you start in music?
Pugliese: “I began with classical music, influenced by my father and brothers. My friends and I played guitar and bandoneon by ear. I left school after fourth grade to work in printing. One day, my father gifted me a piano, insisting I learn. Reluctantly, I started lessons with Antonio D’Agostino.”

Q: When did you write your first tango?
Pugliese: “I composed ‘Recuerdo’ while studying with D’Agostino, finishing it in 1924. Other early works include ‘Suckers’ and ‘Senderos.’ My father took me to dances, which helped me gain practical experience.”

Q: How did the advent of talkies affect you?
Pugliese: “It led to widespread unemployment among musicians. We formed the first union of popular music in 1935, fighting for better working conditions. Our first strike was in cabarets, securing rest days and fair wages.”

Q: Has the situation for musicians improved since then?
Pugliese: “Unfortunately, many gains have been lost due to political intervention and economic instability. Musicians still face job insecurity and inadequate compensation.”

Q: What can be done to improve the situation?
Pugliese: “We must unite and fight for our rights. We need to address issues like tape recordings replacing live performances, reducing opportunities for musicians.”

Q: How do you view the current state of tango?
Pugliese: “Tango has evolved musically but lost some of its popular roots. The absence of social dances has hurt its growth. However, there’s hope in young musicians who continue to innovate.”

Q: What are your thoughts on SADAIC (Argentine Society of Authors and Composers)?
Pugliese: “SADAIC has become bureaucratic and detached from the needs of musicians. We need democratic leadership that truly represents us.”

Q: What impact has the media had on tango?
Pugliese: “Media support for tango is minimal. Programs dedicated to tango are scarce, overshadowed by other genres.”

Q: How have you managed to keep your orchestra going for 42 years?
Pugliese: “It’s been tough, but our cooperative structure and collective effort have kept us strong. We’ve faced many challenges, but our commitment to tango has never wavered.”

Q: What’s the secret to your success?
Pugliese: “Unity and consistent artistic vision. I’ve always studied and adapted, maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation.”

Q: Do you believe in the future of tango?
Pugliese: “Absolutely. Tango has a rich heritage and emotional depth that resonates with people. It will continue to thrive as long as we preserve its essence and adapt to changing times.”

Q: What advice do you have for young musicians?
Pugliese: “Study the history and roots of tango. Embrace innovation but stay true to its core values. Tango is more than music; it’s a reflection of our culture and identity.”

Q: Any final thoughts?
Pugliese: “National sovereignty is defended not just with arms, but with culture. Tango is an integral part of Argentina’s cultural heritage, and we must cherish and protect it.”

—

Source: [El Historiador](http://www.elhistoriador.com.ar)

Tango – Tango Guide

Is Tango a Remedy for the Soul?

Tango: A Remedy for the Soul?

Is Tango a Remedy for the Soul? Exploring Its Healing Power & Global Impact

The Healing Power of Tango

More Than a Dance: A Language of Connection

Tango as an Alternative Therapy

The Science Behind Tango’s Healing Power

Physical Health Benefits of Tango

Mental Health Benefits of Tango

Tango as a Counterbalance to Digital Overload

Breaking Free from the Digital Age

The Tangibility of Tango: A Dance You Can Feel

Embodiment in Tango: The Art of Being Present

Tango Across Generations: A Timeless Connection

How Different Generations Connect with Tango

How to Start Your Tango Journey (Globally)

Conclusion: Is Tango a Remedy for the Soul?

Recent Post

Milonga Preferences Survey

What Do Tango Dancers Really Want? Insights from the Milonga Preferences Survey

1. Introduction

2. Survey Overview

Who were the respondents?

3. Respondent Breakdown

3.1 Key Findings

3.2 Key Insights:

4. Detailed Analysis

4.1 Experience Level Differences

4.2 Attendance Frequency Differences

5. Insights for Event Organizers

6. Conclusion

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