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About Mercurio Annual Report 08-09

Mission & Goals

"The reason tango is not just for Argentineans, but for the entire world, is because it is who we are: it is both physical and spiritual."
- Osvaldo Golijov, Argentine composer

In September 2009, UNESCO granted the Tango World Heritage status.

Tango Mercurio is a non-profit arts education organization presenting Argentine tango as an agent of community development. Because tango dancing transcends boundaries of class, ethnicity, and generation, our work facilitates greater cultural understanding and social cohesion. The community-based art form of tango plays an essential role in the overall health and stability of contemporary societies by providing ongoing public opportunities for creative engagement and collaborative growth.

Education - Our local adult tango curriculum is taught by a team of experienced instructors. Designed to produce versatile social dancers, the program is influenced by an appreciation of natural body alignment and movement as well as a commitment to the personal aesthetic created by each unique tango partnership. Special workshops and guest artist residencies enrich our process of learning and dancing tango.

Performance - Sharna Fabiano Tango Company is our resident performing ensemble. The company performs the classic tango form and creates contemporary choreographic works exploring the fusion of contemporary dance and tango. In addition to its annual concert in Washington, DC, the company has performed on tour in Europe and Argentina.

Outreach - With the intention of connecting generations, we are currently developing outreach programs to make tango instruction and performance accessible to underserved youth and elders in our community. We also collaborate with other cultural and arts organizations to share tango with the general public through free demonstrations and introductory classes.

Resource Center - We have begun developing a set of free online tools and guides designed to enhance the teaching and organizing of tango nationwide. The Resource Center will also feature research and statistics on the social impact of tango communities. At present, we offer a selection of tango articles and recommended books, as well as information on tango music.