THE TANGO, The time it takes for a dance

Philippe Costantini

This film is a voyage to the heart of a passion, the passion of the tango, lived in Paris by virtuoso amateurs. From Andrea’s dance class near République where Nadine is an assiduous pupil, to the quays of the Seine were Touré ensures an enchanting atmosphere, from the Latina to a few hang-outs of aficionados, the film leads us in a dance, as we lend an ear to our partners. Marc has danced the tango in competitions for years: “To dance the tango is to constantly create, shape and sculpt a dance and a dancer. It’s a spatial sculpture in movement.”

Whether beginners or old hands, all are busy professionals during the day who renew themselves in the evening steeped in the world of the Argentine tango. Together they explore the coded language of the dance late into the night, living double lives. In front of the camera hand-held by the filmmaker, each dancer expresses his own view of things. Remaining discreet, the camera suggests without revealing the fragile lines between art, desire and innuendo that make the tango always fascinating to watch.