Update on "Tango with Purpose" - The Complete Evolution of the Argentine Tango Community in Thessaloniki Greece 1. Executive Summary The TangoThessaloniki.com community is developing into a comprehensive ecosystem of activities that combines education, social solidarity, and cultural creativity. Led by Spiros Sal (TanGoNueVo), Maria N Melia, and Jorge L SuitO, the organization places special emphasis on creating a space where tango becomes a language of dialogue, inclusion, and contribution. The January-February 2026 trimester marks a significant shift in the structure of activities, with emphasis on innovation (tanditas & open flow philosophy) and social activity. 2. Today's Event: Milonga Tango Party & Quiz Game Night (January 29, 2026) General Information On Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 22:00, TangoThessaloniki.com presents a significant venture that breaks away from the usual patterns of the traditional milonga. The event takes place at Faces Café Bar (Politechniou 1, Triandria), a space that has become a station for the community's themed Thursdays. Dress Code: Festive & Elegant (Festive and Elegant) The main philosophy that permeates the event is the humanitarian mission of "Tango with Purpose" - an effort to support the lottery of the "SYZOI" Association and, at the same time, offer free entry to people with disabilities (PwD) who wish to participate. The Team Responsible for the Event The success of the evening is the result of the coordinated effort of three central figures: Spiros Sal (TanGoNueVo) Spiros is the driving force behind the modern TanGoNueVo approach. With years of research and engagement, he focuses on freedom of movement, flexibility of the embrace, and essential couple communication, beyond stereotypes. His experience in organizing seminars and alternative projects helps the team see tango with a fresh and creative perspective. Maria N Melia She stands out for her technical excellence and special emphasis on female technique and dance aesthetics. With an academic background and deep interest in the learning process, she has contributed to creating educational programs that focus on elegance, balance, proper body posture, and deep connection with music. Jorge L SuitO Jorge brings the authenticity of traditional tango culture, combined with a modern, structured teaching methodology. As the coordinator of many projects, he ensures that every movement and every organization happens with respect for the dance's history, but also with an eye on today's needs. He also contributes to the visual recording of the evening. Pablito Pavlos Mavromatis (Music Galore) As music curator, Pavlos constructs a "Music Galore" journey with personalized tracks that bridge classic and modern tango, ensuring continuous flow that favors both dancing and participation in games. Content and Activities A. Quiz Game Night: "Say the Wrong Thing!" This is one of the most creative elements of the evening - a game that dramatically reshapes the typical milonga dynamic: How to play: Participants hear general and everyday questions (not limited to tango) The goal: They must answer AS FAST AS POSSIBLE by giving a WRONG answer Why: To sharpen reflexes, laugh heartily, and break the ice among participants This clever paradox decisively challenges the idea of tango as an exclusive activity, transforming it into an athletic and mental game that requires immediate reaction and creativity. B. "Tango Profile" - Personality Game (MindEscape) An interactive game during the evening that allows participants to discover their "dancing self" - a personal mix of characters and temperaments that correspond to specific dance styles or dynamics. C. "Double It and Pass It to the Next" Game A chain game with rich prizes for attendees, encouraging social interaction and creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipated pleasure. D. Tanditas & Open Flow Philosophy - Innovation on the Floor Tanditas (Short Tandas): Shorter musical units (1-2-3 songs) that allow dancers to change partners more frequently and meet more community members. This approach is particularly important in a growing community, where building bonds is as important as technical skill. Open Flow Tandas Philosophy: A fundamental shift in milonga mindset. Instead of the traditional commitment to complete an entire tanda, dancers who mutually agree can dance only part of the tanda (tandita) and leave or change, maintaining natural and free flow on the floor. This marks a significant evolution in community dynamics - acceptance of flexible participation and personal autonomy. Social Commitment: "Tango with Purpose" The event aims to show that tango can be a tool for social change. Two main policies implement this philosophy: 1. Free Entry for People with Disabilities (PwD): In the context of total inclusion, people with disabilities have free access upon presentation of the respective card 2. Support for the "SYZOI" Association: Proceeds from the lottery support the association, proving that dance goes beyond the floor 3. Online Discussion: The Team's Vision (January 26, 2026 - Previous) Three days before the main event, the community held a critical Online Discussion aimed at collecting ideas and suggestions from students and community members. Detail | Information Date | Monday, January 26, 2026 Time | 21:00 - 21:45 Link | meet.google.com/qjn-psih-put Entry | Free Discussion Topics A. Student Projects Detailed proposals submitted by students and community members were presented. For each idea, the following were analyzed: - Required resources (time, space, human participation) - Realistic implementation timeline - Clear decisions and specific steps B. Team Update The next steps and major moves already scheduled were presented: - New course cycles - Collaborations with teachers - Seminars and themed milongas - Events enriching the tango experience C. Open Dialogue Time for questions, comments, and new proposals, aiming to create a more vibrant, participatory, and creative environment. 4. Complete Program: January - February 2026 The following program captures the community's comprehensive action plan for the trimester: A. Regular Lessons Location | Time | Days | Details University Gym AUTh | 21:00 - 21:45 | Tuesday & Thursday | Technique, connection, musicality in a historic space Toumba Area | 11:00 - 22:30 | Daily | Private & group lessons Special Groups | Various times | Wednesday 28/01 | Beginners & Advanced B. Themed Thursdays at Faces Café Bar Date | Theme | Description January 29 | Quiz Game Night: "Say the Wrong Thing!" | Tanditas & Open Flow, games, social impact February 2 (Monday) | Online Discussion | Discussion and organization of the future (new tango ideas) February 5 | Tango Night: Battle Edition | 2 couples compete, audience votes for winner February 12 | Tsiknopempti Edition | Tango meets tradition, dance late with special grillings February 19 | Karaoke & Tango Party | After dance, microphone game in subversive mood February 26 | Mystery Edition | Preparation for Carnival climax C. Major Philanthropic Event Date | Location | Purpose February 18 | Thessaloniki City Hall | Support for "SYZOI" Association 5. TangoThessaloniki.com Platform: The Digital Hub The website tangothessaloniki.com serves as the central information and organization point for the community. It features: - Updates on Lessons & Milongas: First stop for those interested in activities - Promotion of Teachers & Partners: Highlights the work of professionals and creators supporting the community - Access for New & Experienced: Facilitates access for both beginners and advanced dancers 6. Community Significance: Dialogue as Motivation Tango is, in essence, dialogue and connection between two bodies. The same logic applies to building a community: - Contribution to Shaping: Every member contributes to the program and actions - Listening to Different Views: The community evolves only when different voices and experiences are heard - Future Creation: Active participation makes members an active part of shaping the future 7. Contact & Reservations Channel | Detail Phone | 697 335 7935 Website | tangothessaloniki.com Google Meet (Online Discussions) | meet.google.com/qjn-psih-put Social Media | Facebook, Instagram (for updates) Conclusion The period from late January to late February 2026 marks a historic period for the TangoThessaloniki.com community. With the "Tango with Purpose" philosophy, tanditas and open flow innovation, and commitment to social solidarity, the community doesn't just grow numerically, but evolves qualitatively. Today's event (January 29) is just the beginning - a reference point that will be followed by a rich program aiming to show that tango is more than dance. It is dialogue, participation, culture, and social change. We invite you to be part of this movement.