Decades before 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' and 'Dancing With the Stars' popularized the tango for the masses, this dance has been a symbol of passion and sexiness on the streets of South America. Its exact origin is disputed, but the dancing style, which was started somewhere in the regions of Argentina and Uruguay, is finally getting proper recognition from UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee of Intangible Heritage.
The decision came this week from Dubai, and means the dance and its music gain a "protected cultural status," but also that the two countries can more easily access public funds for promoting the dance.
Immortalizing Classic Dances
The Tango Takes Its Place on UNESCO World Heritage List
Trend Themes
1. Tango Revival - The recognition of the tango as a UNESCO World Heritage dance highlights a growing interest in reviving and preserving classic dances.
2. Cultural Preservation - The UNESCO recognition of the tango opens up opportunities for industries to create products and experiences that help preserve and disseminate cultural heritage through dance.
3. Public Funding for Dance Promotion - The protected cultural status of the tango allows for increased access to public funds, creating opportunities for businesses and organizations to promote and market the dance more effectively.
Industry Implications
1. Dance Education - The recognition of the tango as a UNESCO World Heritage dance presents opportunities for dance schools and educators to expand their offerings and create specialized programs for learning the tango.
2. Tourism and Travel - The tango's protected cultural status can attract tourists and travelers who are interested in experiencing the dance firsthand, opening up opportunities for hospitality, entertainment, and tourism industries.
3. Digital Platforms for Dance Preservation - The recognition of the tango as a protected cultural heritage creates opportunities for the development of digital platforms and technologies that document, preserve, and share information about the dance.