Tango in the Danish Nowhere

This article about Sydfyn Embrace was brought in the German tango margazine "Tangodanza" no 4 - 2024. We have translated the article to English! Please check Tangodanza's webpage and support their aim of telling stories of tango: Tangodanza

A Personal Report on the "Sydfyn Embrace" by Joachim Schwebe.

To dance beautifully, tango enthusiasts are often willing to travel. Popular destinations include Hamburg, Berlin, Rovinj, as well as France or Italy. But what draws people to tango in the Danish countryside - a barn near Svendborg as the destination?

Sydfyn Embrace is the name of this gathering of friends, who come from near and far. Danish and German guests might consider it almost a "home game," but visitors from the USA, Slovakia, and Estonia travel significant distances to attend. What unites the 100 guests from twelve nations is their friendship and connection with Trine Bjørnild and Morten Wadstrom—a bond formed through their shared passion for dancing. This creates a community of shared interests and mutual openness.

Morten and Trine excel at connecting the local scene with the wider tango world. Their personal warmth as hosts fosters introductions, sparks conversations, and, of course, provides a unique atmosphere for dancing.

The venue: "Stakladen", a renovated barn in the middle of rural Denmark, perfectly suited for dancing, dining together, and chatting. What makes it special? When the music resonates beautifully, the ronda flows perfectly, harmonious movement emerges between dance partners, and everyone on the dance floor creates a shared sense of togetherness. From this airy space, the view through the large windows opens onto the expansive green countryside.

Sydfyn Embrace thrives on music and life. The carefully chosen DJs (Hans L Tango, Céline Devèze, Jenny Hellgren, Michael Lavocah, and Morten) ensure a rich and danceable variety of Tango Argentino music. A lecture by Michael Lavocah offers an engaging and deeply informative presentation about listening to and understanding tango. Whether the information is new or familiar, Michael's talks are always entertaining.

Over the course of the milongas at a good encuentro, a sense of universal connection develops. Dancing in the tanda structure plays a significant role in fostering familiarity and spreading conversations. But here, it’s also the hosts who personally introduce their guests to one another upon arrival. This example inspires others, making introductions a natural part of the event. Sharing meals with different table companions turns strangers into at least acquaintances.

Next year, Sydfyn Embrace will return again in june. The final event will take place in the hosts’ dance garden on Monday - their usual space for nurturing tango through lessons and milongas. This year, rain turned the planned outdoor dance into an intimate indoor discussion at the hosts' home: less dancing, more heartfelt conversation.

Conclusion: Sydfyn Embrace - tango is more than just dancing!