The psychotherapeutic potential of tango dancing. A person-centered perspective

This paper provides an autoethnographic exploration of the psychotherapeutic potential of Argentine tango dancing through a person-centered perspective. It delves into how tango facilitates personal growth, emotional awareness, and resilience by acting as a dynamic form of emotional and physical expression. The research examines the intricate communication dynamics inherent in the dance, highlighting tango's unique ability to transcend verbal exchanges and create profound emotional connections. Tango demands mutual empathy, attunement, and responsiveness between dance partners, fostering therapeutic experiences akin to deep, trusting friendships. Additionally, it is argued that tango requires a level of emotional dedication comparable to spiritual practices, which makes it a powerful medium for continual personal and relational development. The findings suggest that the psychotherapeutic benefits of tango stem not only from its relational aspects but also from the individual's willingness to engage deeply with the emotions it elicits. The research concludes that tango can be a profound conduit for personal transformation, provided that the dancer is open to its emotional and interpersonal challenges.