Vol Tango, a new organization on UT’s campus, showcases the art of Argentine tango to Knoxville.
Founder Caroline Rempe, a PhD student in genome science and technology, said the idea of forming a tango organization came to her after she began to miss the student tango organization she was a part of as an undergraduate student.
“In particular, I missed the convenience of cheap and free lessons and practices on campus that I could easily attend after a day of classes and studying,” Rempe said. “Talking to other students and faculty at UT, I found that there was an interest in this type of group at UT, so we got together and formed Vol Tango.”
Though the student organization continues to grow Rempe said Vol Tango hopes to eventually hold regular events on campus, such as a tango cultural night for students or Argentine tango dance workshops with renowned instructors.
“Everyone here is very friendly, welcoming and passionate about Argentine tango,” Rempe said. “We hope that more students will take advantage of our free lessons on campus and see why we love Argentine tango.”
Peixing Liu, a PhD student in electrical engineering and vice president of Vol Tango, said the organization is a great environment for making friends and meeting new people.
“I always tell people that I love our tango people simply because of their wonderful personalities,” Liu said.
Diana Constanza Orozco, a PhD student in chemical and biomolecular engineering, said her favorite thing about Vol Tango is the people as well.
“Anyone that arrives to Vol Tango always feels welcome and everyone is always willing to help you and give you advice,” Orozco said. “It’s not only a dance club. It’s a great place to make friends from different ages and get to know other cultures.”
Though Orozco has danced since she was young, she said she loves the confidence that tango dancing brings.
“Vol Tango brings me the opportunity to learn, and I would say that I’m in love with tango. It’s just a magic dance, you can express yourself to the dance and it’s great to work together with somebody to create an art expression,” Orozco said. “I just love it.”
Orozco said she would recommend Vol Tango to everyone because it is a great place to relax, have fun and meet new people. She said she came to the organization feeling a little homesick, but the other members of Vol Tango made her feel at home.
Dr. Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes, associate professor of entomology and plant pathology and group’s faculty advisor is a member who also loves sharing Argentine tango with others. He said it is rewarding to see students learn and become more interested in the music and dance of Argentine tango.
“Most people that come to Vol Tango are first surprised that Argentine tango does not have much in common with the tango stereotypes they have received,” Jurat-Fuentes said.
Jurat-Fuentes said Argentine tango is a social dance that helps promote self-awareness, self-confidence, communication skills while expanding a participant’s social circle.
“I think it is a wonderful activity for anyone, especially students, because it involves physical activity and brings so many personal and social benefits,” Jurat-Fuentes said. “There is a global Argentine tango community, so even after you leave UT, you can still enjoy tango while traveling or with the local community where you reside.”
Jurat-Fuentes said some people are a bit cautious of coming to a tango class because they think they are poor dancers or don’t have enough musical ability or experience.
“Once they come, most of these people greatly enjoy it and return to learn more,” Jurat-Fuentes said. “Nobody was born knowing how to dance, and the mission of Vol Tango is to promote the learning and enjoyment of Argentine tango.”
Liu said every newcomer feels welcome at Vol Tango as instructors work to catch them up as quickly as possible.
Attending a practice session for Vol Tango requires no prior experience of the Argentine tango, but is for those passionate about dance and willing to learn more.
“No experience or partner needed, casual dress code, no dance shoes required, free dance lessons. What excuses can you have for not coming?” Liu said.
Vol Tango meets every Monday night from 7-9 p.m. in the Hollingsworth Auditorium.
