Bad news! Looks like for most of the world tango is going nowhere.
As vaccination efforts are rolling out, countries are still holding tight to their lock down policies – in some they are getting even tighter and, as a result, tango communities are getting in the worst shape than they have ever been.
In this survey I’ve got answers from over 150 dancers from 37 countries. I want to thank everyone who contributed and helped me to put together this article about the results.
If your country was not included in this survey, be sure to sign up to my Newsletter, so you will be notified when I send my next survey. I plan to do my next survey in April or May 2021.
The vaccines are here, but unfortunately, the map above is not much greener than the one in December 2020.
Check out the article for November/December 2020:
What people are saying?
This survey was anonymous and I will not share participants names. On the other hand, when I read the survey I see a lot of interesting information in the comment section. So, I decided to share the most interesting comments, paying attention to respect the privacy of the participants and not to get them in trouble.
Not surprising, the communities all around the world are ripped apart between those who insist on strict rules and measures, and those who think there should be more relaxed approach.
“Tango community is divided in two major groups – scared to death, wearing masks in their own houses, driving in masks and dancing over Zoom “virtually”. And normal people, dancing as they did before all this insanity started.”
“Some of us are not afraid, while others are shaking with fear. I have to be careful who I tell about private practicas; the fearful want to shut the rest of us down.”
Some of the dancers are unfortunately so scared that they are not sure will they dance even after all this will be over. Even vaccination will not make them feel safe enough.
“Personally, only one shot. Waiting until after second and still not sure when I’ll feel safe.”
Some of us are hit so hard that they can’t hold their emotion when we talk about tango:
“I’m crying….”
On the other hand, there are those who are more optimistic.
“There are on-line classes of course – and some teachers are available for private lessons (money speaks). But I survive due to a private practica with a just handful of people once a week – plus two weekly dance sessions with my dance partner on my own little dance floor. Tango finds a way – always!”
Although there are some places where people are dancing the situation in Buenos Aires is not bright either.
“Gricel is open now only on Fridays. They spray people at the door, and wash hands with alcohol after every tanda, and take many more precautions. Few attend.”
Either way, the situation for tango is not good at the moment, and there are those of us who are hit hard.
“Social and cultural events are locked down and politicians do not really care about. It is lowest priority. Official Tango schools (paying taxes) get minor support – all these freelancers not at all. I don’t know how they can survive and how / when Tango communities go back to life. Here in (big city) they’ll find ways but in smaller cities I really don’t know.”
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The conclusion
In my last article I concluded that the situation is much worse than October 2020, with hope that after we get the vaccines it will get better. Unfortunately, I have to conclude that the situation this time is even worse.
On the other hand, I see hope in three things:
- The number of the cases is significantly lower and shows tendency to flatten out or to get even lower
- As the ongoing vaccination effort continue we can expect that the number will go down even further
- There are tango communities where people never really stopped dancing
This means I still believe that this year we will see some normalization and some communities will resurrect.
Meanwhile, we should have in mind that some people are afraid and others are hit hard by the loneliness. We have to understand that both groups are suffering emotionally and do what we can not to escalate the conflict.
Have patience. Understand.
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It’s easy to be a critic of those who have been adversely impacted financially when you yourself have a GUARANTEED livelihood. And on top of that, some of these critics may feel quite righteous (‘superior’, ‘better than you’) as they freely hurl negatives towards anyone wanting to start or engage in Tango in some form. AND….then there are also those that believe that you should be just as miserable as they are (‘jealousy’? envy’?). How about we talk of some of those critics that are secretly having get-togethers to dance and/or practice Tango with others?? They may think no one else knows outside their little circles, but it’s amazing what gets leaked out. There’s even a negative angle thrown in there rooted in politics (as if we haven’t had ENOUGH politics already invading our lives??). I have been to 2 Milongas recently. I asked nearly everyone THIS: “Would you have shown up here if you feel even slightly ill?” The answer was always ‘No’, or even ‘Hell No!’. Nearly everyone I talked to also told me that they had been VACCINATED. Some wore masks, some didn’t. I am nearly certain that these ‘critics’ get in their cars and go out among the general population (like the grocery store) REGARDLESS of whether they feel well or not. Think all those around them are all respecting ‘social distancing’ and wearing masks? Want to hear something probably riskier? How about a 3 hour drive on the road both to and fro a Milonga. Realize life has risks. Daily. Among those are getting into a vehicle. So here’s a message to all those who feel they need to scold and correct us reckless heathens: simply STAY AT HOME. Car is risky. Take the bus. Better yet, have everything delivered to your front door to avoid being around potential carriers of anything. But while you’re at home, PLEASE… keep your personal judgements of others to YOURSELF. If you do choose to be around the general public, here’s a thought: Many of those people will NOT be sharing the same level of care, concern, and hygiene like YOU and those that typically come to a Milonga. P.S.> When you are out and see people doing it WRONG, be sure to CORRECT those folks. Set them straight. Hey, it’ll help them and i’m SURE they’ll show their gratitude RIGHT AWAY!
Ah Robert, I agree with you completely.