Community Outreach
/DMV Tango Organizer Meeting Cultivates a Unified Vision for Tango Community Growth
Prepared by Natalie Donahue, Joerg Schlatterer, Marni Silverman
On October 27, 2024, tango organizers from across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region gathered at La Cosecha in Washington, DC, to discuss the future of the local tango community. Hosted by Tango Mercurio, the meeting brought together representatives from diverse tango organizations, including Abrazo Milonga, Argentine Tango School of Greater Washington, Argentine Tango Space Project, Bienvenido al Tango Radio Show, Chacho Tango, Colvin Run Blue Moon MiIlonga, District Tango, El Bulin Milonga, Freedom Plaza Milonga, George Washington University Argentine Tango Club, Milongas Cafeteria Ideal and Siempre es Carnival, Pablo’s Practica, and The Tango Club. The session aimed to explore collaborative strategies for community growth, improve student recruitment and retention, and ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all dancers.
Setting the Tone for Community Collaboration
Joerg Schlatterer, a Tango Mercurio board member, opened the meeting by expressing gratitude to the organizers for building a reputation that reflects the DMV area as an exceptional tango community. He emphasized that Tango Mercurio is eager to support and listen to ideas for advancing the tango scene. “This meeting is about listening,” he said, “We’d like to hear how we all can help advance tango in the DMV area and discuss the role Tango Mercurio can play.”
With introductions led by Natalie Donahue, the meeting’s facilitator, attendees broke into small groups to brainstorm ideas in three main areas: recruiting new students, retaining existing dancers, and creating an inclusive community.
Key Discussion Points
1. Recruiting DMV Tango Students
Ideas to attract new students focused on creating clear pathways for beginners. Organizers proposed collaborative beginner-friendly classes that allow students to experience the variety of styles and instructors offered across the DMV area. Participants also suggested incentives, such as discounted milonga passes for beginners, and emphasized the importance of visibility through public tango demonstrations, partnerships with local businesses, and active social media presence. High-traffic events, like city festivals and restaurant weeks, were identified as opportunities to introduce tango to new audiences in engaging and accessible ways.
2. Retaining DMV Tango Students
The need to support both new and experienced dancers was recognized as essential for retention. Suggestions included establishing student cohorts for shared learning experiences and encouraging interaction across all skill levels at events. Organizers advocated for collaborative scheduling to avoid overlapping events, allowing dancers to explore a variety of milongas without conflict. Organizers also highlighted the potential for non-dance gatherings, such as group meals or social events, to deepen community bonds outside traditional tango settings.
3. Fostering a Welcoming Tango Community
Inclusivity and safety were underscored as vital to a thriving tango community. A friendly and secure atmosphere, achieved through clear safety guidelines and open lines of communication, was seen as a foundation for growth. Organizers discussed implementing community-wide safety policies, sharing best practices, and designating a neutral party to mediate conflicts when needed. Additionally, creating accessible, affordable events and introducing newcomers to other dancers were proposed as ways to foster meaningful connections.
Safety as a Community Priority
Safety emerged as a central theme, with organizers sharing experiences from their respective communities. Ideas included posting safety guidelines at events, featuring them on websites, and adopting a community-wide policy that aligns with well-established examples in the tango world. “Safety is not just about policy; it’s about creating a culture of respect and inclusion,” one organizer remarked.
Moving Forward
As the meeting concluded, Tango Mercurio and many attendees agreed to continue their collaborative efforts, with plans for additional meetings in 2025 to address additional topics. Tango Mercurio will circulate a survey to gather further input, ensuring community members’ voices guide the path forward. This initial gathering at La Cosecha represents a step toward a unified vision for the DMV tango scene - one that leverages shared strengths to foster a vibrant, inclusive community.
