Argentine ambassador hails Vietnamese dancer as tango talent

The praise came during an informal meeting with the press and Phuong, organized by the Argentine Embassy in Hanoi on Thursday.

“She is the first Vietnamese dancer to compete at Argentina’s tango championship and reach the semifinals, a remarkable achievement given the high level of talent from countries with strong tango traditions,” Ambassador Bednarski said.

“Her dedication and skill are truly inspiring, and her success reflects the growing vibrancy of tango in Vietnam.”

Phuong, from Ho Chi Minh City, and her dance partner Louie from the Philippines secured their spot in the semifinals after a strong showing at the 2025 World Tango Championship, which concluded early last month in Buenos Aires.

They previously won the 2025 Philippines qualifier, earning direct entry into the quarterfinals, and then advanced through intense rounds against hundreds of international competitors to reach the top 125 couples.

Having seen her performance, the ambassador praised her exceptional technique and the energy she brings to every dance.

He added that he was not surprised to see her reach the semifinals and felt proud of her achievement.

He also expressed admiration for Vietnam’s tango community, which he discovered through lively street and park performances after beginning his mission in the country.

Phuong was born in Da Lat in 1978 and is now living in Ho Chi Minh City.

She began dancing tango in 2007 and became fully dedicated to the art in 2019, following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A former teacher and office worker, she is now working to establish the Vietnam Tango Academy, aiming to provide professional training and strengthen ties with the international tango community.

She said reaching the semifinals has given her the motivation to keep working toward building a stronger, more organized, and better-connected tango community in Vietnam.

Looking ahead, the Argentine Embassy will support Vietnam’s tango community by hosting a tango night on December 11 — World Tango Day — at the National Library in Hanoi.

The event will feature performances and include photos and archival materials from Argentina, which will be presented to the library.