About the Argentine Tango
The Argentine Tango is much more than just a dance; It is an art form that brings together music, poetry and movement. Originating in the late 19th century in Buenos Aires and Montevideo, tango reflects a rich mix of cultures: from European immigrants and African rhythms to the melancholic folk music of the pampas. The dance is known for its intense connection between partners, improvisation, and expressive emotion, while the music – with its characteristic bandoneón – tells a story of passion, desire, and nostalgia.
The Netherlands has had a special bond with the Argentine Tango for a long time. In the early 20th century, the tango made its way to Europe, where it quickly became popular in salons and dance halls. Here too, the tango took on its own character, influenced by the European musical traditions. In recent decades, the Netherlands has grown into an important center for tango lovers, with dance schools, festivals and concerts throughout the country.
The Dutch International Tango Week plays a major role in keeping this heritage alive. We bring together national and international artists to bring the Argentine Tango closer to the Dutch audience. In this way, tango is not only cherished as cultural heritage, but it also continues to innovate and develop within Dutch culture.
Our commitment to the protection of the Argentine Tango in the Netherlands led to a patronage for our festival in 2019 and 2023 by the Dutch Commission of Unesco.
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
With a thriving tango community and a strong artistic tradition, the Netherlands remains an important place where Argentine Tango is celebrated, experienced and passed on to new generations.
About the Dutch International Tangoweek Foundation
The Dutch International Tango Week Foundation was founded in 2014 out of a deep passion for Argentine Tango and a worrying observation: in the Netherlands, this unique art form seemed to be slowly disappearing. Despite the rich history of tango in Europe, there was a lack of knowledge and appreciation for music and dance in the cultural sector. Concerts were scarce, and many tango schools lacked a professional and didactic approach. This motivated the founders to create a platform that once again brought Argentine Tango to the fore.
In the first phase, Tango clubs were used. These small-scale, accessible events not only offered a stage to talented tango artists, but also gave enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the music – dancing or listening.
In 2019, the foundation took the next big step: the launch of the Dutch International Tango Week, the only multi-day festival in Europe that focuses entirely on Argentine Tango. This festival attracts both national and international top artists and offers a unique music experience to dancers, listeners and music lovers.
Board and Advisory Board
The Dutch Tangoweek Foundation has a board and an Advisory Board.
In addition to the board, the Dutch Tangoweek Foundation has set up an Advisory Board . This council offers advice to the board and the business manager both on request and on its own initiative. The members are appointed for a period of one year, so that the foundation always has the right expertise to make its projects a success.
The board of the foundation consists of independent members without interests in the Argentine tango or cultural sector. They are selected on the basis of their managerial experience and their ability to steer the complex processes within the foundation in the right direction. Board members do not receive any compensation for their work, which contributes to the transparency and integrity of the organization.
With this structure, the Dutch Tangoweek Foundation guarantees its professional approach and continued commitment to Argentine Tango in the Netherlands.
Members of the board:
- Chairman: Hans Gerritse
- Treasurer: Peter Russ
- Secretary: Marijn Veldhuizen
Artistic advice:
- Omar Mollo (AR)
- Wim Warman (NL)
Team members:
- Festival management: Frank Perquin
- Production leader: Floor Visser
- Volunteer coordination: Myranda van der Spaa
- Technique: Laurijn van den Heuvel
General
View our terms and conditions here. These are based on the conditions of the Dutch Association for Theatre and Concert Hall Directors.
