About competition (Part I)

Or why I do not tolerate certain organizers and, on the other hand, am glad that others exist.

I have a positive attitude towards competition and rivalry in general. Competition enlivens the market! It challenges us to be more efficient and differentiated. In this way, we continually evolve – in teaching, in promoting new talent, in performances, and in events. We develop new concepts, invite new, sometimes unknown musicians and dance couples, organize exclusive events in unique locations, train, etc. Ultimately, our focus is always on Tango because, in my understanding, competition should concentrate on the “product” TANGO. This enhances quality and strengthens our position, which is dear to me. I hope tango dancers from everywhere come to Heidelberg, and I welcome all competitors who are genuinely concerned about tango and uphold its quality in the region!

If a newcomer, whether a teacher or organizer, makes a genuine contribution to tango, they will be well received by the community, leading to growth and the expansion of the scene. However, if they offer the same, often slightly inferior, it does not lead to growth; at best, it has an inflationary effect.

One might wonder why the lesser “me-too organizers” are not displaced from the market. The problem, in my opinion, lies in not competing in the substance itself. It should be acknowledged that becoming a tango organizer is relatively easy. One needs a space, some organizational skill, and a strategy. To get a slice of the pie, strategies are sometimes employed that do not necessarily rely on tango skills. A well-known strategy, in addition to the product, is “service” or the Tango-favored “socializing.” Such strategies are based, for example, on being particularly strong in communication and/or conveying (often artificial) warmth. While socializing and service are admirable, they should not completely replace tango skills. And, to quote Schröder, we cannot make a living by cutting each other’s hair.

Sometimes the strategy is also based on the art of cunning, damaging the competition’s reputation. This involves image attacks. I have heard from very well-known DJs that they initially rejected our invitation because they heard negative things. Later, they were surprised at how well they got along with us.

I also occasionally hear that people speak ill of me – and that from people who don’t even know me. While such statements can be demonstrated in individual cases, they are inadmissible, incorrect, and unfair as blanket condemnations.

I am always amazed at how quickly people allow themselves to be influenced and confused by such rumors and prejudices, instead of using common sense to judge. And if someone is genuinely bothered or puzzled by something, they should just tell me directly. Then I can explain myself and resolve the issue… or not. 😉

When do I appreciate competition:

When they are professionally highly qualified and passionately engage in tango. However, if someone becomes a tango organizer overnight, even though they have been doing something else for years, I doubt that the motivation stems from a passion for tango. For instance, I would have neither the time nor the interest to organize other events alongside tango, even if it might be financially appealing.

When their business strategy leads to growth, such as attracting new people to tango, promoting new talent, and training top dancers, qualitatively (not just quantitatively) enhancing the existing offering – especially in terms of tango and not exclusively in terms of socializing.

When they respect and remain fair to others who contribute high-quality offerings to tango, i.e., avoiding image attacks.

Ultimately, I always ask myself the following question: If tango were out tomorrow, and some new dance were to conquer the world, which tango operator would still be there, continuing to care for the future and sustainability of tango? I can definitively answer that question with YES for myself.