When Tango meets Soca II

Something magical happens when the traditional tango dance style meets soca, and members of the public got the chance to experience it in Port-of-Spain.

As part of the 2026 Latin Nights celebrations hosted by NALIS, the Argentine Embassy held Tango Meets Soca II on October 9.

“This is not a formal, diplomatic type of event,” teased Argentine ambassador to T&T Gustavo Martínez Pandiani. “Today, we are here for you and the only important thing for us is to have fun, enjoy dancing, music and, of course, Argentine wine.”

He said he hoped there were no shy people around, assuring that you don’t need to be a professional dancer to have fun.

Scores of people filled the room as members of the Rey del Ritmo Dance School showcased their moves and taught the attendees how to follow suit.

Accompanied by the Dominant Seventh Calypso Jazz Band, they performed to tunes like Lost In Trinbago and Cocoa Tea, among others. In addition to the tango, the milonga was also showcased.

The ambassador also joined in the fun, later forming a conga line so huge that they needed to exit the building to keep it going.

Attendees said they had a fun evening, with many of them either expressing interest in joining the dance school or taking further tango classes.

Some left with bottles of Argentine wine and others were gifted football jerseys of Argentine legend Lionel Messi.

Pandiani said he looks forward to continuing this event in the future.