Tango - A cultural bridge connecting Argentina and the journey of dancer Alice Thanh Phuong.

In the warm atmosphere of a press conference organized by the Argentine Embassy on October 2nd, Vietnamese journalists had the opportunity to learn more about the culture and spirit of Tango – a symbol of the South American country. The meeting was part of a series of programs promoting Argentine culture in Vietnam, leading up to a Tango performance and experience event on December 11th at the National Library of Vietnam, 31 Trang Thi Street, Hanoi.

Ambassador Marcos A. Bednarski of Argentina to Vietnam shared: “Tango is not just a dance – it is the soul of our country. By organizing this event at the National Library and the Embassy, ​​we hope to bring that spirit to the hearts of the Vietnamese people, where culture, emotions, and connections are always cherished.” The Ambassador also expressed surprise at the growth of the Tango community in Vietnam, from parks and squares to small clubs, demonstrating the enduring vitality of this dance in a faraway country.

During the exchange, the Ambassador expressed his appreciation for dancer Alice Thanh Phuong, who represented Vietnam at the World Tango Championship and reached the semi-finals – a milestone for Vietnam in this international competition.

Speaking to the press, dancer Alice Thanh Phuong, the first Vietnamese person to reach the semi-finals of the World Tango Championship, shared: “Tango is not just a performing art, but also a journey of personal development. It teaches people how to listen, harmonize, and find balance in life.”

Following the interaction with the Argentinian Ambassador, Alice Thanh Phuong – the first Vietnamese dancer and coach to reach the semi-finals of the World Tango Championship – left a strong impression with her story of nearly two decades of dedication to the dance.

To better understand the experiences, challenges, and philosophy she discovered through Tango, a Travellive reporter had a private conversation with Alice Thanh Phuong, recording her heartfelt sharing.

Interviewer: Did you ever think that Tango would completely change your life?

I don't think so. Initially, I had no concept of it, nor any interest. Back then, there was no social media or mass media like there is now; I just saw Tango as a movement, practicing for an hour each week because I was busy with other things.

It wasn't until I realized that Tango helps two people find balance that I gradually began to believe it brings harmony to people. Initially, it was just a preliminary feeling, but it was the seed that would later develop within me. Witnessing my students change and share their experiences with me strengthened that belief. If it were just me changing, I wouldn't be sure if it was due to Tango, but seeing most of my students experience positive changes, I'm certain I'm on the right track. During my time in Argentina, there were times I felt so desperate I wanted to give up, but my belief and clear purpose helped me stay strong. The most noticeable change was in their attire; everyone who practiced Tango seemed brighter and more conscious. That was like a small reward that helped me forget the difficulties and keep going.

PV: How long did it take you to realize the true value of Tango?

Initially, I didn't notice anything, I was just passionate and practiced instinctively. After two years, I started teaching, but at that time I was only conveying the spirit, not understanding deeply. It was only in recent years – especially during the COVID period, which was a turning point, one year was equivalent to ten years before. When I gained sufficient awareness, the learning process became very rapid. Before, even though I had been to Argentina, I still only saw Tango as "physics" – learning movements to bring back. Only today do I truly understand its profound value. It's a reflection of my own growth year by year.

Interviewer: Besides rehearsals or performances, what nourishes your artistic soul in your daily life?

Tango doesn't require strenuous training; it's cultivated through daily life. I used to be very short-tempered, but in Tango, being short-tempered ruins everything. Even balancing on a motorbike, cooking, or cleaning the house – that's Tango. What I appreciate most is that this discipline is closely connected to life, inseparable from it, and my students often share similar experiences.

Interviewer: As you mentioned, you used to be very hot-tempered. How did you recognize that process of change?

In this Tango, there are two people, but only two feet are allowed on the floor. If you're hot-tempered and expect your partner to do exactly what you want, it's ruined. That forces you to gradually learn to create harmony. My temper has to calm down; it can't disappear completely, but compared to before, it's probably only 1% left.

Many couples who learn Tango have told me that they understand and respect each other more. You have to learn how to harmonize with each other; you can't let your individual ego grow. The practice process will lead to something, and most students have given positive feedback, so I have great faith in that.

Interviewer: What lesson have you learned about harmony in Tango?

Tango is just the means; the person is the center. Meditation and yoga are the same; they both help us become more gentle, harmonious, and mindful. I used to be very hot-tempered and tried many things, but practicing Tango forced me to soften up, otherwise the rhythm would be ruined.

Interviewer: During that journey, what made you want to give up at times?

Because I was a pioneer, no one came before me. I had to do everything myself: research, organize, network. There were times in Argentina when I felt I couldn't take it anymore. But every time I hit rock bottom, someone pulled me up – international friends, colleagues. I cried constantly in Argentina, every night, because I was angry, sad, and criticized. I had studied for 7-8 years, and when I got there, my professor said, "You have to drop everything and start over." It hurt so much. But I kept going because I believed in what I was doing.

I believe Tango chose me, not that I chose Tango. If I had chosen it, I would have quit a long time ago.

Interviewer: Have you ever thought that you possess an exceptionally strong inner strength, or is it thanks to the encouragement of those around you?

No, no one is that strong. There were times I asked myself, "My life is peaceful, why would I throw myself into something so difficult that brings no money or benefit?" I cried, complained, even felt exhausted, lacking the spirit or health to continue. But then, by some twist of fate, people encouraged me, gave me faith and opportunities, like a rabbit seeing a carrot, giving me the motivation to keep going. Many times I wanted to give up, but that "carrot" pulled me forward. If I had relied solely on my own willpower, I probably wouldn't have come this far.

Interviewer: Have you ever thought about visiting Argentina?

I never thought about it, not even dared to dream. I was just focused on what I was doing, and the results were completely unexpected, like winning the lottery—you don't know beforehand, you don't predict or plan anything. That's why when I received the letter to go to Argentina, I was truly shocked because I hadn't prepared – the amount of money and the plan for the trip were beyond my expectations. This made me realize that there are many things in life that we can't control, from results and failures to unexpected risks. Therefore, the most important thing is to do well in your current job, and the future will come unexpectedly.

PV: Do you hope to develop Tango in major cities?

Tango doesn't necessarily only thrive in big cities. I'm very proud that Quang Tri – a poor, remote province – has the most flourishing Tango community in Central Vietnam. "Flourishing" here doesn't mean quantity, but rather development in the spirit I aspire to and cherish. I was the first to establish a club there, and after nearly six years, they still maintain the humanistic spirit of Tango, even thriving more than Da Nang or Hue. This shows that development doesn't depend on urban size, but on how it's communicated and how people receive it. If done correctly, Tango can touch anyone's heart. If it can flourish in remote areas, there's no reason why it can't in big cities; the only question is whether we have the necessary conditions and methods.

Interviewer: What do you consider to be the "right direction" in Tango?

It's about creating a community that is humane, healthy, joyful, connected, and makes life better. Tango still exists and flourishes strongly in Argentina; if it didn't have these values, it would have died long ago. In a digital and illusory world, people are increasingly drawn to natural, authentic values. Tango brings people back to nature, to genuine connection, which is why it is increasingly embraced and spread.

Interviewer: What has helped you persevere in pursuing this path for nearly two decades?

I used to be a dancesport and salsa teacher. But it wasn't until I started teaching Tango that I truly understood its value. Its profound humanistic aspect is far greater than other dance forms, particularly its ability to connect people within a community. And this connection isn't just about playing; it also brings about life improvements. I once witnessed a couple on the verge of divorce reconcile after learning Tango. That's a happiness, the feeling of contributing to someone else's better life, more valuable than any beautiful possession or delicious food. When our lives aren't solely focused on ourselves and building families, if we can contribute to society, life becomes much more meaningful.

PV: What are your hopes for the future development of Tango in Vietnam?

I aspire to establish a Vietnamese Tango School, modeled after the Tango University in Argentina, with a structured curriculum, certifications, and professional training. I'm not teaching just for fun. I want to lay a solid foundation so that this discipline is officially recognized and becomes a part of Vietnamese arts education.

Text: Hai Anh, Photos: Hai Anh, Provided by the author