Mission & Goals
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Annual Report 09-10
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 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.
Music - Mercurio supports an all-volunteer Community Tango Orchestra to nurture the revitalization of live music for dancing. The CTO plays regularly at local tango events and features several guest artists visiting DC each year.
Outreach - With the intention of connecting generations, we have developed outreach programs to make tango instruction and performance accessible to underserved youth and elders in our community. In addition, our instructors give public tango dance performances throughout the year in support of a variety of community festivals and cultural events.
Resource Center - We maintain a collection of free online articles and educational materials to enhance the study and appreciation of tango nationwide.