The Argentine Tango in the Netherlands
We don’t hide our passion for Argentine Tango. The multi-cultural heritage and the Netherlands have long had a special bond. In recent decades, however, it seems that this heritage is dying out in the Netherlands. Worrying and very unfortunate, we think. That’s why we’re happy to commit to conservation.
When the Dutch Tangoweek Foundation started in 2013, after a pilot of several years, it looked bad for Argentine Tango in the Netherlands. We identify in the cultural sector in the Netherlands especially a lack of knowledge about the music and culture movement. Very limited concerts are programmed, despite the high quality of music available nationally and internationally. Dance schools for Argentine Tango are often unprofessional and often lack a didactic plan and skills.
Despite these developments we are positive and hopeful about the chances for Argentine Tango in the Netherlands. The growth of our Tango clubs and the start of a multi-day festival are good signs. It is the foundation on which we will build in the coming years.
The Dutch Tangoweek Foundation
The Dutch International Tangoweek Foundation was established in 2014. The first phase worked with the low-threshold Tango Clubs, a concept analogous to a Jazz Club. Always containing the best (international) live music as the center of attention. Since 2019, this has also grown into a multi-day festival that also attracts a lot of attention internationally.
Since our inception, the Tangoclubs have been a testing ground to test our marketing and to provide a stage for our artists. The Tangoclubs fill the gap left by the small (world music) venues such as Rasa (Utrecht) and Willem Twee Toonzaal (Den Boch) due to budget cuts. They play an important role in our distinctiveness and in discovering current Tango talent.
In addition to the board, an advisory board has been established. This council provides solicited and unsolicited advice to the board and business leader. Members of the Advisory Board are appointed for a period of one year. As a result, the foundation always has the knowledge needed to make the projects successful.
The board of the Dutch Tangoweek Foundation consists of members who have no interests in the world of Argentine Tango or its culture. Board members were selected based on their administrative experience and ability to guide our complex processes in the coming years. Board members are not paid for their work.
Since 2009, the Dutch International Tangoweek Foundation has been organizing so-called Tangoclubs. These are events where, in analogy to Jazz clubs, live music takes center stage. A dance floor is also available at these concerts so that dance enthusiasts can also experience the music here in their own way. And of course just watching, listening and enjoying is also possible.
Since 2019, the Foundation has organized the annual Dutch International Tango Week, the only multi-day event in Europe dedicated to Argentine Tango. It is a platform where national and international artists perform and where dancers come from all over Europe to enjoy live music. The Corona crisis has given the festival a growth boost. Not only was the festival able to continue with its planned lineup, it also made a name for itself in Argentina that year through participation by the national media there.
De Tango is een muziekgenre dat dans, muziek, poëzie en zang omvat. (…) Inscription of the element on the Representative List would contribute to visibility of intangible cultural heritage and a deeper understanding of the Tango as a regional expression resulting from the fusion of several cultures.
UNESCO Decision Intergovernemental commitee 4.COM 13.01
Our commitment to the protection of Argentine Tango in the Netherlands led to a patronage for our festival by the Dutch Commission of UNESCO in 2019.
Members of the board:
- Chairman: Hans Gerritse
- Treasurer: Peter Russ
- Secretary: Albert van Ool
Artistic advice:
- Omar Mollo (AR)
- Wim Warman (NL)
Team members:
- Festival management: Frank Perquin
- Production leader: Floor Visser
- Volunteer coordination: Myranda van der Spaa
- Sound engineer: Willem Borra
Our general terms and conditions are based on the conditions of the Netherlands Association of Theatres and Concert Halls andcan be read here.
