Milonguera Speaks: What We’re Losing in Culture—And Why It Matters 07/26/2025

Milonguera Speaks: What We’re Losing in Culture—And Why It Matters

Yesterday, after sharing Tango Zen Journal – July 25, 2025, I received a substantial wave of responses. Among them was a message that struck a deep chord—written by my dear friend Myriam Pincen. Her words resonated so closely with my own reflections, particularly regarding the cultural essence of tango that is slowly vanishing before our eyes.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18su3tnaKh/

I believe this message deserves to be seen, shared, and carefully considered. So I’ve taken the liberty to translate it into English and offer a thematic breakdown for easier reflection.

If you care about traditional tango—not just as a dance but as a living cultural expression—I urge you to read this, reflect, and, if you feel moved, share it.

Message from Myriam (Translated from Spanish):

"Hello Chan!

Welcome!

I completely understand what you’re talking about. Much of what’s happening is partly our (the porteños’) fault—due to a hunger for profit and the desire to draw foreigners into classes. Now, everyone here dances with everyone, men and women alike—something that in another time was simply unthinkable.

A maestro or a milonguero never used to dance with their students—or with foreigners. (And this had nothing to do with xenophobia or anything odd.) It was simply because a beginner or a foreigner couldn’t yet provide the pleasure of dancing well—something that takes many years to develop, and is especially difficult for those who didn’t grow up with our culture.

The difference is this: we’ve been receiving hugs and kisses from our environment since birth—and we continue doing so in all aspects of social life. That’s something that doesn’t happen in Europe, Asia, or many other cultures.

That’s the big difference.

I must say, I still uphold this tradition. I very rarely dance with foreigners—and even less so with students. And though it may seem harsh, it’s for their own good. If advanced dancers always agree to dance with them, those students never progress.

In the past, you had to earn your place—you had to “wear down your feet” to learn and reach the level where a good milonguero would finally invite you. You had to show you were ready, with a dance level that was more than acceptable.

Today, it’s the complete opposite of what I just described. And this is where we are.

In fact, you can see how much the overall level of dancing has deteriorated in most milongas over the past few years.

Hopefully, we can still recover our traditional tango. There are still people (like me ) who are persevering so it won’t disappear…"

Key Reflections from Myriam’s Message:

1. Cultural Shift Toward Profit

The hunger to monetize tango has led to lowering standards and disregarding tradition.

2. Erosion of Milonguero Customs

Milongueros once withheld the dance as something earned—not offered freely to students or outsiders. That tradition upheld both dignity and standards.

3. Cultural Foundations of Tango

Tango is not just a dance—it’s a cultural expression rooted in a lifetime of physical closeness. That intimacy cannot be replicated in cultures unfamiliar with such norms.

4. The Myth of Inclusion as Progress

Dancing with everyone may appear welcoming—but it removes the very structure that once made tango transformative. Today, this inclusion is contributing to the decline in dance quality.

5. The Disappearance of Respect for the Journey

In the past, people struggled to earn the right to a good tanda. That effort gave meaning to the dance. Now, entitlement and ease have replaced discipline and humility.

6. A Call for Cultural Preservation

Myriam reminds us: traditional tango can still be saved—but only by those who actively choose to carry it forward.

Personal Note

A year and a half ago, I invited a few dancers who care deeply about traditional tango to meet and discuss ideas. I proposed we organize something small—just for those who truly value the essence of this dance. A gathering, a dialogue, maybe even an event that could serve as an example.

Everyone thought it was a nice idea… but no one wanted to take action.

“There are already too many events,” they said.

“We don’t want to create another thing.”

Even the idea of meeting regularly for dialogue didn’t catch on. People love to talk, but when it comes to doing—especially doing something that requires cultural integrity and long-term vision—they disappear.

So I let it go.

But I’ve continued in my own way—with the Tango Zen Journal, with workshops, and now with this message. And I want to thank Myriam for expressing what so many of us feel but hesitate to say out loud.

If You’re Reading This…

Then you’re part of the resistance—whether you act or not.

Even being aware is a beginning.

And if this message speaks to you, I ask you to:

• Share it with someone who still believes in traditional tango.

• Talk about it with your community.

• Keep the spirit alive—not just in steps, but in heart and culture.

Abrazo milonguero,

Chan