The Best Tango Dancers in the World 
Tango in B.A. doesn't happen but once a year; every evening, dancers tango on the streets of Buenos Aires.
Learn more about Argentina in International Living Postcards. Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007
Buenos Aires, Argentina The 2007 World Tango Championships are now on in Buenos Aires. In five days, the 485 couples from 22 countries will be whittled down to two sets of champions, one for each categories: Salon Tango. Awarded for elegance of performance, and adherence to the popular dance guidelines. Dancers score points for an unbroken embrace, style, movement around the floor, closeness to the floor, cadence, and rhythm. Stage Tango. Here the champions are decided based on choreography, composition, use of the stage area, performance, dancing-as-couples, costumes, and make-up. The venue at La Rural in Palermo is packed with spectators every day (the competition began five days ago and ends Sunday). These tango aficionados participate each night in milongas with live orchestra and singers. As part of the celebrations, tango lessons and milongas are open to the public, whether you enjoy tango dancing from the renowned classics…to the new "electronic tango". If you need to stock up on tango essentials (shoes and clothes) this is the place to get them. The free entrance tickets for the first night were snapped up within minutes of release, and the organizers had to install a giant screen outside so that the 500 or so people who could not get in could watch the championship and follow the tango dancing from the outside. Last year, a couple from Argentina (Natasha--seven months pregnant!--and Fabian) won first prize in the Salon Tango category. The Stage Tango championship was won by Carlos and Diana from Colombia (where tango dancing is now more popular than salsa). Robert Duvall was among the large crowd that attended last year's show. The young winners in Salon Tango category--which is the traditional popular tango danced at the Buenos Aires milongas--competed with 38 finalists. The champions last year received a trophy and 5,000 pesos ($1,650). This year, the winners will receive a cash award of approximately $2,200. But that doesn't matter--the reason they're here is to become the best tango dancers in the world. Maria Reynolds
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