Tango – open and colorful
The Project
Tango - open und colorful is a sociocultural project that brings together people from different countries, cultures, religions, and social backgrounds through dance.
Why Tango?
Dancing offers a means of expression for those who have no voice; it builds self-confidence and a sense of community; and it transcends boundaries. Tango, in particular, has emerged from a multitude of different cultural influences and, like no other dance, is open to new styles and practices. Interculturality and exchange are inherent to this dance.
The project was founded in 2017 by the Argentine tango dancer and literary scholar Cristian Javier Castaño, who lives in Dresden as an immigrant. The team now includes two additional project coordinators.
Tango Classes
Tango classes are held weekly. There are no fees for these classes so that no one is excluded. Furthermore, the classes are deliberately designed so that everyone can participate.
It doesn’t matter whether someone has never danced before or whether they come with or without a dance partner. Experienced dancers can contribute their own style.
Interpersonal Relationships and Intercultural Exchange
A key aspect of the project is interpersonal connection. The open atmosphere of the classes encourages people to engage in further interaction beyond just dancing. Experience has shown that participants strike up conversations before, during, and after the classes about similarities and differences, as well as everyday and personal matters. Sometimes these conversations revolve around challenges in their own lives, where other participants can offer support. Intercultural exchange takes place as each individual brings their own understanding of community to the group. For example, when someone shares a dish from their home country with the group, when someone introduces dances and customs from their country of origin, or when someone wants to celebrate an occasion (whether a birthday, graduation, retirement, Eid al-Adha, or Christmas) with the group. Everyone decides for themselves how much they want to share with the group. For some participants, the project means dancing the tango with others from time to time; for others, the project has become an important part of their social life.
Performances
Through performances at various events organized by Saxon initiatives, clubs, and institutions, this sociocultural project introduces itself and conveys its message of interculturalism, tolerance, and respect under the motto “AkzepTanz.”
How you can get involved?
- Come to our classes and events,
- invite us to your event,
- tell others about us,
- or support us with a financial donation.