Talents of Tango – Connecting Schools Through Culture

Students will develop their work throughout each semester as indicated in the Classroom Sheets. Teachers are encouraged to explain the scope and meaning of all contents related to each discipline. Winners will be those participants whose works are submitted to Talentos para la Vida and selected by the Jury.

It is also important for students to ask their parents about the meaning of the contents, in order to complement the family perspective, based on their preferred Tango as an artistic expression. Educational Institutions may submit all works in a single email to talentos@talentosparalavida.com, at any time during the year, provided that they comply with the disciplines established for the program, as well as the General Regulations and the Technical Regulations.

Students will develop the disciplines indicated in the Technical Regulations and the General Regulations, representing Talents of Tango, addressing topics such as origin, history, singers, scores, music, interpretation, relevance, and countries. The submitted works will be evaluated by a qualified Jury appointed by Talentos para la Vida, which will determine the winners for each discipline. Awards will be presented at semiannual Award Ceremonies held in various venues in the City of Buenos Aires (for example, the National Academy of Tango, the National Library, the Argentine Catholic University, the Domingo F. Sarmiento Cultural Center) or virtually.

All works must be submitted digitally. If they are created by hand on paper (drawings, paintings), they must be scanned or photographed using a mobile phone. Original works must be kept and submitted in the event of winning in the corresponding educational category.

Works must be retained by the Educational Institution until winners are announced. If a winning work consists of drawings, paintings, literary essays, or compositions, the original work on paper or cardboard—signed by the Principal of the Educational Institution—must be delivered, coordinating with Talentos para la Vida.

Winning works are grouped into the five age categories indicated in the Technical Regulations, always specifying the Educational Institution, age, and educational level.

JURY EVALUATION CRITERIA

“TALENTS OF TANGO”

• Creativity and originality
• Cultural understanding
• Expression of values
• Clarity of message
• Teamwork

PRESENTATION RULES

• One submission per student on Tango
• Original content
• Works must be submitted by the Educational Institution, certifying that all works belong to students of the respective school/university

MUSICAL GENRE

• Tango

To begin participating, only the Educational Institution must complete the Registration Application (click here) with the requested information.

TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

Ages:

Primary School Students: Category 1 (ages 5–8) and Category 2 (ages 9–11).

Secondary School Students: Category 3 (ages 12–14) and Category 4 (ages 15–18).

Tertiary/University Students: Category 5 (ages 19–24).

The competition includes the following disciplines related to Tango, all of which must be submitted by email to talentos@talentosparalavida.com:

1. Drawings, Paintings, or Watercolors (mobile phone photo)
2. Literary Essays or Composition
3. Photographs, Videos, or Performance Recordings (maximum 3 minutes)

Participation: Free and individual.

Students participate individually through their Educational Institution, which must submit the works to talentos@talentosparalavida.com, indicating the institution attended and ensuring that it is registered on the website.

Students may submit works in any of the disciplines related to Tango.

If you have any questions, please contact consultas@talentosparalavida.com

ACTIVITIES FOR PRIMARY LEVEL

🎵 1. Listening and Feeling

• Listening to Tangos
• Guiding questions:
  • Is it happy or sad?
  • Fast or slow?
• Drawing what the music makes them imagine

🖍️ 2. Drawing Tango

Drawings of:

• Instruments
• Dancing couples
• Neighborhood scenes
• Individual or group work

💃 3. The Body and Tango

• Movement games:
  • Walking following the rhythm
  • Pauses when the music stops
• No technique is taught, only bodily expression

🗣️ 4. Words of Tango

• Listening to simple lyrics
• Identifying words:
  • Friendship
  • Neighborhood
  • Family
• Creating a short sentence inspired by Tango

🎭 5. Mini School Exhibition

• Display of drawings
• Background music
• Invitation to families or another class

ACTIVITIES FOR SECONDARY LEVEL

🔹 1. CONTENTS

• Social and historical origin of Tango
• Musical and poetic evolution
• Structure of Tango (music and lyrics)
• Tango as a social reflection

🎼 2. Musical Analysis

• Listening to different Tango styles
• Identifying:
  • Instruments
  • Rhythm
  • Emotional atmosphere
• Comparison with other contemporary genres

✍️ 3. Lyrics That Tell Stories

• Reading selected lyrics
• Group work:
  • Main theme
  • Message
  • Social context
• Rewriting:
  • The same story in contemporary language

🕺 4. Tango and Movement

• Basic introduction to dance:
  • Walk
  • Embrace
  • Rhythm
• Optional and respectful activity, no mandatory contact

🎬 5. Tango Today

• Research:
  • In cinema
  • Around the world
• Oral or digital presentations

🧠 6. Debate and Reflection

• What values does Tango convey?
• Can Tango dialogue with young people today?
• Short written production

7. EVALUATION

• Active participation
• Artistic or written productions
• Group work
• Capacity for cultural reflection

8. FINAL PRODUCT (DIFFERENT LEVELS)

🎉 “We Experience Tango” Day

• Submission of works to talentos@talentosparalavida.com
• Written and performed music
• School exhibition
• Readings
• Movement
• Invitation to the school community

9. VALUES PROMOTED BY THE PROGRAM

• Cultural identity
• Respect
• Emotional expression
• Teamwork
• Historical memory
• Cultural heritage

10. RATIONALE

Tango is a symbol of Argentine identity worldwide and was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. However, this international recognition contrasts with the limited awareness of Tango among the general population and young people in particular.

Four reasons may partially explain this paradox:

1. As a popular music, Tango is often perceived as something obvious, as something that has always existed and requires no explanation.
2. Tango—like Jazz, its northern counterpart—did not originate in the upper classes of Argentine society. On the contrary, it emerged as the expression of a heterogeneous social group in the early 20th century, marginalized yet rising, and not particularly valued by the establishment.
3. This social mobility meant that within one or two generations, many descendants of that group occupied more prominent positions in Argentine society, leading some to undervalue the music that reminded them of hardship.
4. Partly due to these reasons, Tango was not included in official educational curricula, neither in general education nor in specialized education such as conservatories and universities.

A Blind Spot in Our History

As shown in the accompanying chart, the period highlighted by a dotted oval—coinciding with major external and internal migrations—represents the historical moment illuminated by Tango.

These factors coexisted with two determining phenomena: immigration from a wide variety of countries and internal migration from rural areas to cities. These massive waves were driven by profound ideological, economic, and political changes occurring in Argentina and worldwide.

In the first half of the 20th century, immigrants outnumbered locals, leaving a deep cultural imprint that was later rendered invisible—first by immigrants’ desire for assimilation, and later by ideological fragmentation and massive internal migration.

Tango, however, made this cultural blending visible and integrated diverse influences such as indigenous music, Latin American baroque, Creole music, African slave music, Cuban habanera, traditional music from Spain and Italy, Klezmer music, Gypsy music, opera, and European classical music.

This harmonization gave rise to a unique aesthetic reflected in all aspects of Tango: music, dance, poetry, humor, social criticism, and dramatic expression. A disorganized mixture was transformed into a recognizable and valuable new order.

Thus, as a national language and a faithful mirror of a defining moment in Argentina’s history, Tango can also be used as a model—a replicable mental framework—making it a powerful tool for thought, analysis, and management.

Understanding how Tango integrated such diverse complexities can be particularly useful in a present marked by global tensions and challenges originating in distant places—such as Silicon Valley or Shenzhen—that generate opportunities, threats, and turbulence affecting Argentina.

In this context, Tango helps us understand who we are and appreciate ourselves more as a country. This program helps discover in Tango not only a cultural jewel, but also a cross-cutting educational tool capable of connecting identity, appreciation of one’s own culture, critical thinking, and creativity.

Awards will be presented at semiannual Award Ceremonies held at venues such as the National Academy of Tango, the Catholic University, or the National Library, among others in the City of Buenos Aires. Winning Educational Institutions will be notified at least two weeks in advance by mail, phone, or email, specifying venue, date, and time.

Awards by discipline or educational level:

• 1st Place: Gold Diploma, educational materials, and sponsor-provided awards
• 2nd Place: Silver Diploma, educational materials, and sponsor-provided awards
• 3rd Place: Bronze Diploma, educational materials, and sponsor-provided awards

10 Special Mentions: Diploma, educational materials, and sponsor-provided awards

1. What specific educational value does this program provide?

This program offers a comprehensive approach that combines arts education, cultural heritage, and socio-emotional development. Unlike traditional content, it presents Tango as a living pedagogical tool that makes it possible to work on history, language, music, body expression, and values, fostering students’ creativity, cultural identity, and critical thinking.

2. How does the program fit into the academic calendar?

The program is designed as a flexible and adaptable proposal. It can be implemented as an extracurricular activity, a cross-curricular project, or an optional space, without interfering with mandatory curriculum content. Each institution defines the pace and depth of implementation according to its own context and calendar.

3. How much time does it require per semester?

The program does not establish a fixed number of hours. A progressive implementation is suggested, adaptable to between 4 and 8 sessions per semester, which can be integrated into areas such as music, language, social sciences, or arts education.

4. Does it require teacher training or external specialists?

Previous training in Tango is not essential. The program includes clear and accessible teaching guides for educators from different subject areas. The participation of external specialists is optional and left to each institution’s discretion.

5. Is it adaptable to different educational contexts?

Yes. The program was conceived to be applied in public and private settings, urban and rural contexts, and in different countries. Its modular structure allows content, activities, and language to be adapted while respecting the cultural particularities of each educational community.

6. How are students’ rights protected?

The protection of personal data, image rights, and copyright is a priority. Institutions certify authorship of the works, and any dissemination is carried out for educational and cultural purposes, in accordance with applicable regulations and with institutional consent.

7. What is expected from the teacher’s role?

The teacher serves as a facilitator and guide. They orient activities, encourage reflection, and coordinate the production of student work, without needing to become a Tango specialist. The emphasis is on the educational process, not on technical evaluation.

8. Why Tango for children and young people today?

Because Tango is a cultural expression that allows reflection on identity, emotions, history, and social coexistence. When approached from a contemporary perspective, it offers children and young people a bridge between past and present, strengthening a sense of belonging and personal expression.

9. Does the program include dance or physical contact?

Body movement is optional and is approached respectfully, adapted to each age group. Dance technique is not taught and physical contact is not required. The emphasis is on free expression and mutual respect.

10. What makes this program different from other contests or festivals?

“Talentos del Tango” is not only an artistic competition; it is an educational program. It prioritizes the learning process, cultural reflection, and institutional participation over competition, promoting a meaningful formative experience.

11. How is the concept of “talent” defined?

Talent is understood broadly: expressive ability, creativity, cultural understanding, artistic sensitivity, and commitment to the program’s values. It is not limited to technical skill or academic knowledge.

12. How is fairness in evaluation ensured?

Evaluations are conducted by age categories and disciplines, with clear and public criteria. The Jury considers the educational context, the participants’ age, and the expressive approach of each work, ensuring a fair and formative assessment.

13. What is the medium- and long-term vision?

The program aims to consolidate itself as a regional cultural-educational network, strengthening Tango as living heritage in Latin America and promoting cultural exchange among institutions, generations, and countries.

14. Why does this foundation lead the program?

Because Talentos para la Vida’s mission is to promote values education through culture. Its educational, non-commercial approach guarantees a serious, inclusive proposal oriented toward students’ holistic development.

15. How important is this educational program?

If it is not implemented, an educational space that connects children and young people with living cultural heritage would be lost—one that fosters intergenerational dialogue, strengthens identity, and offers a sensitive and creative way of learning. An opportunity would be lost to transmit culture not as content from the past, but as a shared and meaningful experience of the present and the future.

1. “TALENTS OF TANGO – Connecting Schools Through Culture” is a program organized by Fundación Educando en Valores – Talentos para la Vida, whose purpose is to promote the talents offered by the cultural world around the musical genre of Tango and the genres proposed by the Cities invited to participate.
2. The program will take place during the months of February, March, April, May, August, September, October, and November 2026, and February, March, April, and May 2027.
3. The school calendar and academic year cycle will be respected.
4. The program consists of the creation and submission of individual works by participants in one of the following disciplines:
5. a) Drawings, Paintings, or Watercolors
6. b) Literary Essays or Composition related to the relevant genre
7. c) Photographs, Videos, or Performance Recordings (maximum 3 minutes)

Conditions for submissions:

1. a) Photography: Technique is free (camera type, film, paper, mobile phone, etc.). Original copies may be color, black and white, sepia, or digital. The work must not exceed 10 cm x 15 cm and must be submitted by email.
2. b) Drawing/Painting: Technique and paper are freely chosen. Maximum size may not exceed 80 cm x 30 cm. The original must be kept, and a photo or scan must be submitted by email. Works may be made with pencil, watercolor, paint, or other media.
3. c) Literary Essays: Submissions may be handwritten (as long as legible), typed, or computer-written, in verse or prose. Maximum length is three letter-size pages or 1,500 words. They must be emailed to talentos@talentosparalavida.com. If the original is not digital, a photo or scan must be submitted.

In all cases, it is essential not to write participant data directly on the front of the work. This information must appear on the back on a self-adhesive label or sticker and must also be indicated in the email submission.

There are five (5) categories of works to be submitted:

Primary School: Category 1 (ages 5–8) and Category 2 (ages 9–11).

Secondary School: Category 3 (ages 12–14) and Category 4 (ages 15–18).

Tertiary/University Level: Category 5 (ages 19–24).

5. Works produced by each student participant may be submitted at any time within the established schedule by email to talentos@talentosparalavida.com, by the relevant Educational Institution, together with:
6. a) Participant’s full name
7. b) Identity document number
8. c) Date of birth
9. d) Educational institution attended
10. e) Institution phone number and email address
11. f) Institution address
12. g) Full name of father, mother, guardian, or responsible adult
13. h) Current school year
14. All works submitted before the closing date for each semester will be evaluated. Works not submitted according to the conditions established in these General Regulations and the Technical Regulations, or submitted after the closing date, or not corresponding to the Technical Regulations of “Talents of Tango – Connecting Schools Through Culture,” or not matching the indicated category and discipline, will not participate and will not be evaluated. The Jury will be appointed by Talentos para la Vida at its sole discretion.
15. For all works developed during the months stated in Article 2, the Jury will evaluate submissions in accordance with the Technical Regulations and will select three winners (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place) and ten outstanding works per category as Ten (10) Special Mentions.
16. Awards:

1st Place: Gold diploma and educational materials, plus sponsor awards

2nd Place: Silver diploma and educational materials, plus sponsor awards

3rd Place: Bronze diploma and educational materials, plus sponsor awards

The ten outstanding works in each category will receive Special Mentions at the virtual or in-person Award Ceremony.

9. The organizers will notify winning entries by email, fax, or telephone to the educational institution. Awards do not entitle the beneficiary to request their cash equivalent. Other awards may be donated by sponsoring companies.
10. Awards for each category will be delivered at a virtual or in-person Award Ceremony. If student winners cannot attend, the father, mother, guardian, or responsible adult indicated in Article 5 may receive the awards on their behalf. If an in-person ceremony cannot be held, Fundación Educando en Valores will inform each participating institution of the date and time of the virtual Award Ceremony. Educational institutions will receive the awards corresponding to winners.
11. Once the above conditions have been met, if a student winner’s work was submitted through their Educational Institution, the institution will receive:

• 1st Place: Gold diploma, educational materials, and sponsor awards
• 2nd Place: Silver diploma, educational materials, and sponsor awards
• 3rd Place: Bronze diploma, educational materials, and sponsor awards

In the case of other outstanding works, the Educational Institutions of the ten winners will receive a Special Mention at the time of the virtual or in-person Award Ceremony.

12. Participation in this contest, in any capacity, does not grant authorization for the executive organizer to use, upload, or transfer the data received from Educational Institutions. However, the organizer may inform, publish, and promote winning works, including the winner’s data and the Educational Institution concerned.
13. Participation or registration in this contest implies unrestricted acceptance of each and every condition of these General Regulations and of the Technical Regulations of “Talents of Tango – Connecting Schools Through Culture.”
14. Any situations not provided for herein will be resolved unilaterally and without appeal by the organizers, with no right to claims by participants or registrants of any nature.
15. By the mere fact of participation, participants of any nature assign in favor of the organizer all intellectual and artistic rights to the submitted works, with no right to any claim for the use or publication thereof.

16. The organizers reserve the right of admission to the program. If necessary, they also reserve the right to replace the indicated awards with others, without any right to claims of any nature by beneficiaries or third parties. Likewise, if necessary, the organizers may suspend contests or change their dates and communication timelines, without any right to claims by any participant. The selection and definition of awarded works shall be final and unappealable and shall not entitle any participant to any claim.