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Discover the journey of Tango Zen: Returning to Tradition and join us for its world premiere in Buenos Aires and online!
About the Film
Tango Zen: Returning to Tradition, directed by Juan Cruz Varela, premieres in Buenos Aires on October 22, 2025, at 7 PM local time. Unlike others who leave Buenos Aires to spread tango, Chan Park, a former NASA engineer turned tango dancer, returns to share its inspiration and pleasure, learned from Porteños over 28 years of dancing across more than 25 countries. “I came in like a little kitten and I’m leaving as a lion,” says Nestór, a Buenos Aires local, after Park’s Tango Zen workshop. Clara described her own experience: “An experience of the harmony
of the universe flowing through me, through us.”
While tango’s soul fades amid performance-driven trends, Park’s tango journey, including four immersive years in Buenos Aires’ milongas (2008–2012), becomes a mission to share tango’s essence: presence, connection, energy. Tango Zen blends Zen mindfulness with tango’s emotional core, offering its authentic embrace, described as “life danced on the floor.”
Event Details
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World Premiere of Tango Zen: Returning to Tradition — the extraordinary journey of Chan Park
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55-minute screening plus live Q&A with Chan Park and director Juan Cruz Varela, offering deeper insight into tango’s essence
🎥 Film Screenings
Screening In-Person
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Date and time: October 22, 2025, 7:00 PM ART
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Location: Fundación Universidad del Cine, Giuffra 330, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Admission: Free with prior registration
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Reserve your spot
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Language: Spanish with Spanish subtitles; Q&A conducted in Spanish
Screening in Person
Online Screening
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Date and time: November 12, 2025, 7 PM ART (GMT-3) + Live Q&A
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Platform: Online via Zoom (link sent via e-mail after registration and payment)
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Admission: US $6 or ARS 6,000
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Includes: Screening + 30-minute Q&A with Chan Park
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Language: English with English subtitles; Q&A conducted in English
Online Screening
📖 Synopsis:
TANGO ZEN: RETURNING TO TRADITION follows the transformative journey of Chan Park, a former NASA engineer turned Tango master, as he leads a movement to restore Tango’s roots in Buenos Aires. This documentary invites dancers to rediscover Tango as an emotional and meditative connection rather than just a dance.
[Read more]
🎯 Mission:
Our mission is to revitalize the heart of Tango—as a path to connection, stillness, and self-awareness, moving beyond superficial layers and rediscovering its authentic spirit.
[Learn more]
📖 The Story Behind the Documentary:
From NASA to the Milonga: Chan Park’s story began in engineering precision but found its true purpose in the soulful embrace of Tango. This documentary reveals his transformative journey and the lives touched by his workshops.
[Read Full Story]
🎬 Film Production:
Director: Juan Cruz Varela
Producer: Juan Cruz Varela and Chan Park
Filmed on location in Buenos Aires, the documentary blends intimate storytelling, candid workshop footage, and authentic Tango moments to capture the essence of Tango Zen.
[See Full Credits]
Support the Tango Zen Initiative: Bring the magic of Tango Zen to life and help offer free workshops to those in need in Buenos Aires.
Become part of the Tango Zen movement. Stay informed about upcoming events, exclusive workshops, and opportunities to rediscover the heart of Tango.
Become part of the Tango Zen movement. Stay informed about upcoming events, exclusive workshops, and opportunities to rediscover the heart of Tango.
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