Argentinian Tango Festival Connects Hearts in Kyiv

Kyiv, October 21, 2011. For the second year in a row the Kyiv International Festival of Argentinian Tango gathers passionate participants and world-class professionals who share the same passion for the language of music, fiery physicality and body rhythm simply described as tango dance.

Even though there is a significant distance between Ukraine and Argentina, small groups of people in Ukraine became forever inspired by the Argentinian tango and have thus organized events in several Ukrainian cities. “Each of us started dancing tango about eight or ten years ago, when a few people in Ukraine knew what Argentinian tango is about,” said Galyna Andriyko, one of the festival co-organizers.

But what was a hobby for a few inspired people has turned into an international event that builds cultural bridges between Ukraine and Argentina today. “This is the second time we participate with organizers because our countries have a lot in common. Tango is one of those important things between our cultures,” said Cristian Nicolas Sokolowski, Argentinian Consul in Ukraine.

Two years ago the organizers of the festival asked the Argentinian Embassy in Ukraine to participate in the event. Today, this cooperation brings to Ukraine world-famous tango dancers. This fall the spectators and the participants of the festival will be able to enjoy the performance of Pablo Inza and Alberto Colombo. The dancers came to Ukraine for the first time and barely had a chance to meet the Ukrainian tango performers. They, however, noted the importance of connection between two partners when it comes to tango dance. “One of the most important things [in tango] is how you are connected, and this is not only physical contact, but emotional – this is what brings the dance forward,” said Pablo Inza.

Argentina is home to significant Ukrainian diaspora; about 350 000 thousand Ukrainians live in this country. Tango is what makes two cultures closer to each other and permits different people to acquire and speak the same language of rhythm and emotions. “They [Ukrainians] are starting to feel the rhythm of tango and the feelings of tango because, as we say in Argentina, tango has to do with feelings that you can express through dancing,” said Nicolas Sokolowski.

During the next two days of the festival anyone can try to learn how to dance authentic Argentinian tango. There is no special preparation required. “You can come to the dancing event and ask people at the show for the basic steps and that’s how you start,” said Galyna Andriyko.

Being known as a complicated form of dancing, Argentinian tango is something that anyone can use as self-expression. “It’s like to have your own character and own way of listening to the music, being able to tell who you are through dance. I you find the way to enjoy it then you are going to be a good dancer,” said Alberto Colombo.