AUGUST 21(Reuters) Dancers gave it their all for the Stage Tango qualifiers in Buenos Aires on Thursday (August 20) as part of the annual World Tango Festival and Championship held in the world’s tango hub.
Excitement levels were running high, as dance pairs from around the world donned colorful costumes for the much vied for title.
Stage tango is known for its theatrical elements and, unlike Salon tango, only one pair takes to the stage at a time during the competition.
Vanesa Flesha, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, was ecstatic to be competing is such a prestigious championship.
“An international tango championship is something amazing, I’m realizing a dream – it’s a dream come true and I love it. To be here in Buenos Aires, living tango, living the culture of tango that exists in Brazil but is very small and to be here is truly a big dream,” she said.
Buenos Aires is the birthplace of the nostalgic and impassioned dance which began in the city’s working class ports at the turn of the 19th century and was originally danced by men.
As dancers put the final touches on their make up before gracing the stage, Karina Guillem, from Mexico City, explained how discovering tango changed her life.
“Tango changed my life, I used to dance classical ballet and I came across tango in Mexico many years ago and from then on I haven’t stopped dancing. It’s a lifestyle going to tango dance halls, teaching and giving classes,” she said.
The World Tango Festival and Championship opened on August 14 and runs until August 27.
