Psychoanalysis and Tango: Complex Arts of Grief Therapy-- Psychoanalysis and Tango Dancing during This Pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT This essay describes several resonances between psychoanalysis and Argentine tango. Both disciplines are premised on the establishment of an intimate emotional relationship, however different this intimacy and emotional connection might be, with their different temporal dimensions, methods, and aims. Clinical theory and tango technique both concern the effective management of this relationship for their divergent purposes. I contend that both are complex arts of grief therapy, especially during this period of COVID-19 sheltering, and the restriction on bodily touching, hugs. The iconic figure in tango is The Embrace, a formal stance, part of the art of the dance, as opposed to the ordinary human gesture of a hug. Several perspectives converge to inform my thesis. Firstly, I summarize some of the notable historical links between tango and psychoanalysis. Then, I describe the context for the development of tango in Argentina, the conditions – both objective and subjective – of grief, for which tango became the prevailing therapy for an entire population. Lastly, I account for my personal interest in exploring the connections between these two of my enduring passions.