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....”
Thought Experiment
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 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 would work well with any larger-than-life politician). Of course, Acre's tango philosophy applies perfectly to Mr. Putin, but also Donald Trump. 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).
You dance your character
For many tango dancers, we grow deeper in our lives as we experience the depth of the dance on one's inner path. I am certain the world and the transformative power of dance would have produced a different Mr. Putin, as it has me.
____A Visit to an Alternate Universe___
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 Dancing with the Stars. He does well, and the dance judges are amazed at his quick progress.
And who brought Mr. Putin so far and so fast? Many private lessons with a tango teacher from Argentina, who became highly successful in Russia: Mr. Sebastian Arce. Putin was immediately highly impressed with his new teacher and dance philosopher. Recently, Mr. Sebastian Arce, who wrote clearly about his philosophy tango. He has long believed that showmanship and courtship define the essence of tango.*
Фокс энд френдс in Russia
Mr. Putin, echoes his new tango teacher on a TV show in Russia. It upsets many social dancers. They have a panel of speakers, talking about tango, much like "Fox and Friends" in America. One invited guests speak out. “Sure, we might imagine that we are showing off,” she says. “But in reality for most of us, either no one is looking, nor do we care.” Another guest adds, “As for courting as 'essential' to tango, I think that's kind of creepy. I dance with many friends, and a full range of ages; sometimes I dance with older women and even their daughters. They're just my friends. I am not courting them. Tango for me has been rarely about courtship.”
Then the show Фокс энд френдс cuts away to a great surprise for everyone with Mr. Putin dancing 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.
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. Mr. Arce writes: “Argentine Tango is deeply rooted in these two essential social dynamics: courting and showing off.” (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.
.
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.
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 only because they can read.
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