Beijing Argentine Tango Festival kicks off

The 2nd Beijing Argentine Tango Festival opened Wednesday in Beijing.

Organized by The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Chinese Association of Argentine Tango, the festival includes various activities such as Tango classes and music appreciation.

The heart of the festival, the China Argentine Tango Championship that is also part of the Tango Buenos Aires Festival and Dance World Cup 2014 has attracted the most attention. So far, 30 couples from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have applied to take part in the championship, the winners of which can directly enter the semi-finals that will be held at the Tango Buenos Aires Festival this August in Argentina.

An international level dance competition, the Tango Buenos Aires Festival and Dance World Cup attracts hundreds of couples every year. Only the second time the championship has come to China, Deng Lan, deputy secretary general of the China-Latin America and Caribbean Friendship Association, CPAFFC, said during the opening ceremony that the number of Tango fans in China has been increasing over the years and they hoped by holding such a festival they could deepen Chinese people's knowledge about Tango, while also providing a platform for amateurs.

A supporter of the festival, Argentine ambassador to China Gustavo Martino, also attended the opening ceremony Wednesday afternoon, saying he believes the quality of dancers this year is sure to have improved and he welcomes more people outside of Beijing to take part in the festival.

The publication of a Chinese version of a book introducing the history and development of Tango was also announced that day. Ou Zhanming, the books translator, explained that Tango is not only about dance, but poems and music as well, adding that he hopes the background information provided in the book can help readers better appreciate the art of the Tango.