If Vladimir Putin Danced Tango

Imagine that Mr. Vladimir Putin gave up his perpetual presidential office after ten years in office to dedicate his life to tango.  This post is a thought experiment about the transformative power of dance and especially Argentine Tango. One also can do this thought experiment on oneself, such as, “imagine if you [never] learned tango....”

The Alternate Universe
So, picture in your mind that Mr. Putin discovered tango.  He had already amassed great wealth from his dealings with the oligarchs he had created. Mr. Putin, adored by so many Russian women, appears on the Russian version of "Dancing with the Stars," in Moscow. His middle-aged female fans swoon. It was a forgone conclusion that he would win, of course.  But nevertheless, he falls in love with dancing Argentine tango, and eventually he becomes a good dancer.  With his status as the former president and now a dancing star, he does much for tango.  He studies tango with a renown teacher, Sebastian Arce--a tango teacher once living in Moscow who writes about his philosophy as being balance with two essential ingredients for great tango:  Showmanship and courtship.  (This philosophy works well with any larger-than-life politician).  Of course, Acre's tango philosophy applies perfectly to Mr. Putin, but also Donald Trump, who in retirement also starts dancing tango.  Many might not have this philosophy of showmanship and courtship, but most agree that something is true for everyone because in tango, you dance your character.  We also tend to find tango teachers that match our characters (or wannabe personalities).

Mr. Putin invests a lot of money in helping tango grow.  As far as his character goes, Mr. Putin is somewhat like many tango stars. He is suited to be an influencer for tango after he competes on a show fashioned after Dancing with the Stars. He does well, and the dance judges are amazed at his quick progress.

Mr. Acre helps Mr. Putin advance his dance quickly through many private lessons in Moscow.  Luckily we all learned recently Mr. Sebastian Arce's secret for his success with Mr. Putin.  Acre's philosophy showed up on Facebook: Showmanship and courtship define the essence of tango.*  

Фокс энд френдс the TV show in Russia
Mr. Putin, echoes his new tango teacher on a TV show in Russia. Then as great surprise for everyone, Mr. Putin dances with a beautiful professional dancer.  The ratings go off the charts. Mr. Putin does a good job for not having that much time as a tango dancer.  

The next day, other TV commentators invite tango dancers and even a dance psychologist into their studio.  The psychologist says: “The Swiss psychiatrist, Dr. Jung, told us to learn what our unconscious shadow personality is.  I think becoming aware of our show-off side is essential for being better dancers and people.  But it is our shadow and not our developed and enlightened self.  Mr. Arce has done dancers a favor to make dancers wonder where they are on the 'spectrum of being a show-off,' and their shadow side. Even very timid people after they learn to play and instrument start feeling comfortable performing for friends.  So there is truly a 'spectrum of showing off.'”  Other well-known dancers say that it is creepy to suggest that tango is all about showmanship and courtship.  They claim social dance is rarely about these things.

In the End...

The world is a better place because of Mr. Putin's contribution to tango in this Alternative Universe.  Thanks for visiting us here. If you come back to this Alternative Universe, we can tell you more of how Mr. Putin eventually fell in love with the fine movements of musicality.  He discovered the beauty a close, warm embrace, and how he sponsored so many tango events all over the world to help people experience the beauty of tango. Today, he is bringing many people to love tango. He now runs a wonderful milonga in Moscow, co-founded by Donald Trump that features excellent Epoca de Oro tango and great DJ's.  Mr. Putin's World Tango Foundation organizes tango events all across the globe, including in Ukraine and Canada which were never invaded. We like it here in the Alternative Universe.  It's calm here.

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Photo credit:  Craiyon.com for Mr. Putin's boleo.

Footnotes:
(1)  This post is inspired by Éric Immanuel Schmitt, who wrote the book La Part de l'Autre : 
La Part de l'autre ("The Part of The Other", also called "The Alternative Hypothesis") is a 2001 alternate history novel by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt, the plot serving to illustrate the writer's ideas of Moral Philosophy. It consists of a fictionalized biography of Adolf Hitler, sticking to the known facts of Hitler's life, in parallel with the fictional alternative biography the world-famous painter known as "Adolf H." - the person which Hitler could have become.

According to Schmitt, "The minute which changed the course of world history" is the moment when a member of the jury of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts uttered the words "Adolf Hitler: Failed".^[1] The historical character, angry and bitter at being rejected by the academy, feeling that he deserved to be accepted and that he must have been the victim of some kind of conspiracy, begins to descend the path that would eventually lead him to be the rabble-rousing leader of the Nazi Party and the dictator of Nazi Germany.

Conversely, in the alternative reality where the jury member said "Adolf Hitler: Accepted", the young Hitler is deliriously happy to enter the academy, where he discovers a world of feelings that his less fortunate double would never know - eventually leading to his becoming the highly successful painter Adolf H.

(2) These two “essential things” written by Sebastian Arce are given below in this post on March 15, 2025.  Not only Mr. Putin, but many others share belief in these two essential principals--as seen in the endless list of people who praise Mr. Arce for his tango wisdom.  Please visit his Facebook page to see all the praise and the viral shares he received.  For those who know my blog, know that the dance for me is mostly internal affair, shared with one other person and perhaps also with those dancing on the floor at the same time.  But many tango dancers do not feel that way.   (See his philosophy as written below.)

Mr. Arce's comments in full (Facebook, 15 March 2025) https://www.facebook.com/arcetango and then my post script below:

“Argentine Tango is deeply rooted in these two essential social dynamics: courting and showing off (read previous reel).  Courting in tango is about the unspoken dialogue between partners. It’s the game of attraction, subtle seduction, and connection built through musicality, embrace, and energy. It mirrors the natural rhythm of human relationships—how two people negotiate space, trust, and desire through movement.
Showing off is the external expression of this dynamic. It’s how dancers assert presence, style, and confidence. Whether it’s through intricate footwork, posture, or attitude, it’s a performance not just for the partner but for the surrounding audience. In a milonga, this is particularly evident in how leaders showcase control and elegance, while followers display grace and sensitivity.
Tango, at its core, thrives on the balance of these forces. Too much showing off without genuine connection makes it empty; too much intimacy without external projection makes it invisible. The dance lives in this tension—between inner emotion and outer expression.
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For courting and showing off to coexist harmoniously in Argentine Tango, there must be a fundamental rule:  The man must prioritize the woman, and the woman must prioritize the man.  This is not about submission or dominance—it is about balance.

For the man: Prioritizing the woman means creating a space where she can shine. It’s about leading with clarity, protection, and generosity, ensuring she feels confident, admired, and expressive. His steps, posture, and musical choices should highlight her beauty, grace, and movement.

For the woman: Prioritizing the man means responding with equal intention, embracing his lead while bringing her own personality and artistry into the dance. It’s about trust, presence, and the ability to elevate the connection rather than simply following.

When both partners put the other first, a natural synergy emerges. The dance becomes fluid, magnetic, and deeply engaging—both for them and for those watching. This is what separates an ordinary tango from an unforgettable one.

He also suggests understanding his intent in this post about the dynamic between partners.

https://www.facebook.com/arcetango
March 15, 2025
Please read the adoring comments to his posts on Facebook.  Here is one:
“Oh, my! I have never heard such a clear definition and explanation of how I feel the dance. Thank you, Sebastian.”

Post Script:
Just my little opinion:  As alluded to by the ideas of Dr. Jung, there is a shadow side that we all have.  Of course, that shadow side can be very dangerous, but in most cases it stays hidden.  He wanted people to know their dark side so that it would not overcome them as a surprise.  I see showing off as a normal tendency of teens and younger dancers, not only in their lives but on the dance floor.  This is only a developmental step, and absolutely normal as people develop.  It's not wrong, but it's not where I believe that many social dancers are with their dance. Showing off and courting is more a description of the animal kingdom than a philosophy: The peacock and his feathers does not need to read Jung's work to get along better in the world.  But perhaps humans should read Jung's works.

A Tango DJ Dies and Goes to Hell

On Earth, Derrick James seemed to be born to be a tango DJ.  Partly it was because of his name.  He liked dancing, but quickly became more interested in being a DJ.

Because of his initials, his friends and even his parents called him "DJ".  He became a top 40's dance DJ as a teen.  Although he was a bit of a nerd, Derrick became instantly cool with his friends when he played music at parties. 

Eventually, Derrick James became a tango dancer and then a connoisseur of tango music.  As a tango DJ, Derrick was praised for how he constructed an evening following a well-establish pattern as it is done in Buenos Aires.  He followed the traditions of the best tango DJs, which made the evening more predictable for dancers with discriminating tastes.  He found the best quality recordings, and didn't have to blast his music to get people to dance.

Unfortunately, DJ's death came suddenly and early from falling asleep at the wheel after trying to drive the three hours home after being a DJ one late night.

Derrick goes straight to Hell. He knows he's in Hell right away because when he arrives, he hears tango music, but immediately is astonished that the tango music that nobody in their right mind would play! "What is this mierda!" he mutters. It only gets worse. The DJ from Hell plays a tango, a vals, a milonga--just three songs--and all within the same tanda, shattering every norm DJs of any worth follow religiously.

His focus of derision--the DJ from Hell--continues to play music from the 1950's to the 70's, and mixes in tango nuevo along songs with tangos sung by Gardel in the same tanda! They all dance and seem to be perfectly happy, even ecstatic!

"How can they just hold each other in silence before the next poorly chosen song begins? This is the worst thing of it all! They love it," he tells himself.

"They should all sit down in protest!"

DJ Derrick resigns himself that he is indeed in Hell. He had already experienced Hell like this at some milongas on earth. But Hell is much worse. In Hell you cannot go home. The punishment is eternal.

"God," he implores, "what have I done to deserve this?" He sobs, realizing he hadn't addressed deity since he was 12-years old.  With blurred vision he begins hearing sirens. He goes through a tunnel and sees the medical team treating is bloody body. He reenters his body, and lives. In his long road to recovery, he is perplexed by having gone to hell. DJ tells no one. But stills asks, "Why Hell? What did I do?"

His answer comes at a milonga he goes to with friends.  They invite a women he does not know. The DJ from Hell evidently followed him there! Horrified and breathless that Hell's DJ is haunting him.  The woman, whom he had just met, gives him an intense mirada.  The music starts. There is an immediate magic between them. The music is bad but immediately transforms into the angelic Music of the Spheres the they embrace. The music and embrace's enchantment are so powerful he can not speak between songs. He did not want to break the magical and mesmerizing spell.  The tanda comes to an end. The DJ from Hell looks at him at the end of the tanda, points at him and winks. There is an immediate lesson here.  He realizes the music must be good to inspire dancers, but sometime the embrace itself at times can over-ride the power of music. 

Derrick James eventually married this wonderful dancer. He was a DJ less often. He wanted to embrace and dance more often than before, even when the music wasn't perfect (which according to his inner critic was very often). He never changed his belief that the magic of a great milonga evening is the music. But he also came to see that the community of people who come to embrace find Paradise in many different ways. Some find it in the embrace, or graceful musicality, or deep friendships forged through the joy of dance, or great music. When they all come together in one package, of course, that is really what defines heaven on earth for a tango dancer.

DJ died many years later--just 3 years after his wife's death from breast cancer. Again, he was met by the same DJ from Hell, playing really shitty music. The DJ from Hell points at him and winks. Before sorting out what is happening, Derrick catches sight of his wife and is flooded with joy. As they embrace, the music transforms into the clearest Biagi music he had ever heard. (No wonder, Derrick! That's live music and Biagi is on the damn piano!) 

In Paradise, you see, the music sucks only when you are not embracing someone. When DJ had his near-death experience as a young man, he was never in Hell, but the experience helped him find out that there are many paths to Tango Paradise.  

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A note:  This tale is not about Tango DJ's alone.  It is about also about the dancers who quit tango when something is missing.  Tango Paradise (and heaven on earth) is about our own perceptions.  In other words, one can leave a Milonga from Hell, but you cannot escape the hell of one's own judgmental perceptions and the multiple earthly paths to being unhappy about most everything.  I have met the DJ from Hell in many different incarnations.  But just the other day, the worst DJ from hell I have ever met presented a wonderful playlist for quality music.   Do you believe in miracles?  I had just finished writing this story, and decided to go just to the milonga for the wonderful list of things I mentioned above. 

Photo Credit:  www.alainmarie2.com   Photo used by permission.