Tango: A Sacred Dance of Creation

UNESCO celebrates the World Tango Day on the 11^th of December each year, Tango; a dance which is also part of the UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage. Is Tango just a sensual dance or is there more to it? Why is this Tango celebrated all over the world? As I wish you all a very happy Tango day, let me take you deep into the world of Tango.
In the heart of South America’s lush rainforests, the Guarani people tell a sacred tale—a myth that intertwines the creation of the world, the birth of humanity, and the origins of tango. This story is not merely a legend but a profound reflection of the divine connection between humans and the art of movement. Tango, in the Guarani worldview, embodies the balance, passion, and harmony of existence itself, offering a vision of life where every step is imbued with deeper meaning.

The Divine Beginning
At the dawn of time, the world was a barren, silent plain. It lacked valleys, rivers, mountains, and life. In this stillness, Tupã, the creator of light and life, descended from the heavens. Accompanied by Arasy, the goddess of love and the moon, Tupã began the divine act of creation. Their union, marked by both tenderness and power, was expressed through a sacred dance—a celestial tango that shaped and animated the world.
As Tupã and Arasy danced on the empty earth, their movements transformed the land. Each deliberate step of Tupã raised towering mountains, and with each graceful twirl of Arasy, deep, fertile valleys were carved into the earth. Together, their synchronized rhythms summoned rivers that flowed with life and forests that breathed the essence of creation. The divine tango was not merely a dance; it was a sacred symphony that brought form, substance, and purpose to the world. It reflected the perfect harmony between strength and grace, creation and connection.
It was in the midst of this celestial dance that the first humans were born. From the fertile soil beneath their feet, Rupave (“father of the people”) and Sypave (“mother of the people”) emerged as living embodiments of Tupã and Arasy’s unity. Standing before their creators, awe-struck and humble, they were given divine counsel. They were instructed to live in harmony, procreate, and spread peace.

Tango a Divine Gift
The Guarani believe that tango was a sacred gift from Tupã and Arasy to humanity. It reflects the very essence of life itself, encompassing the dualities of existence: tension and release, individuality and unity, strength and vulnerability. Tango is not merely a form of entertainment but a spiritual practice.
In the embrace of the tango, partners find unity—a physical manifestation of the divine embrace. As the dancers move, they enter into an unspoken dialogue, each step a reflection of trust and understanding. The connection between partners mirrors the bond between Rupave and Sypave, the first humans, whose love and unity formed the foundation of humanity’s existence.
Tupã, the creator of light, resides in the Sun, the celestial symbol of energy, clarity, and vitality. His connection to light mirrors the very essence of tango, which illuminates the depths of human emotion and the complexities of relationships. Tango is a journey through light and shadow, much like life itself—revealing vulnerability while celebrating resilience and strength.
Arasy, the goddess of love and the moon, brings tenderness, intuition, and grace to the dance. Her influence is felt in the fluid, sweeping movements of tango, which symbolize surrender, trust, and the beauty of yielding to connection.

Duality in Tango
The Guarani also speaks of the eternal struggle between light and darkness, represented by Angatupyry (goodness) and Tau (evil). This duality is embodied in tango’s movements, where sharp, decisive steps often contrast with soft, flowing movements. The dance teaches us to find balance in the tension between control and freedom—a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges and joys.
Through this exploration of dualities, tango becomes more than a performance. It becomes a path to self-discovery and personal growth. Dancers engage in a process of vulnerability and strength, learning to navigate the balance between leading and following.

The Sacred Union: “It Takes Two to Tango”
Tango is a dance that begins and ends with partnership, a truth echoed in the sacred pairings. Tupã and Arasy, Rupave and Sypave, Sun and Moon, Light and Darkness—each represent a profound duality, an understanding that nothing in creation exists in isolation. Harmony emerges not from uniformity but from the interplay of opposites.
The phrase “It takes two to tango” captures the essence of the Guarani myth. Tango is a conversation between two partners—a delicate balance of leading and following, tension and release. Every movement, pause, and silence holds meaning. This sacred dialogue of the dance mirrors the eternal relationship between the divine forces that govern the world.
For the Guarani, tango is more than a dance—it is a sacred act of remembrance. Every time it is danced, it represents a re-creation of the sacred act of creation. The intricate movements mirror the rhythms of nature—the flowing rivers, the steadfast mountains, and the nurturing valleys—all born from Tupã and Arasy’s celestial dance.

The Eternal Dance
The Guarani believe that Tupã and Arasy continue their celestial dance in the heavens, their movements still guiding the rhythms of the earth. Tango, becomes a bridge between the human and the divine, each time it’s danced, it re-enacts the sacred story that gave birth to humanity—a celebration of life, love, and creation.
Today, the tango’s significance transcends cultural boundaries. It has become a universal language of emotion and expression, echoing the rhythms of human existence. Whether performed in the grand ballrooms or the quiet corners, tango carries the spirit of Tupã and Arasy. Through its movements, tango invites us to embrace life’s dualities, seek harmony in our relationships, and celebrate the eternal dance of creation and love.

Sandip Soparrkar holds a doctorate in world mythology folklore from Pacific University USA, an honorary doctorate in performing arts from the National American University, He is a World Book Record holder, a well-known Ballroom dancer and a Bollywood choreographer who has been honored with three National Excellence awards, one National Achievement Award and Dada Saheb Phalke award by the Government of India. He can be contacted on [email protected]