Why Share the Story of ATI?
We would like to take a moment to share a little of the journey, history, and legacy of the American Tango Institute (ATI) in Chicago. This is not an effort rooted in vanity or self-congratulation, but rather a sincere intention to inform and inspire anyone interested in the evolution of the tango scene in our city.
For nearly 20 years, ATI played a role—sometimes central, sometimes quiet—in shaping the growth of Argentine Tango in Chicago. Through classes, performances, milongas, and community-building, ATI became a part of the city’s cultural fabric. This story is shared with humility and deep respect for all those who contributed to tango’s presence here—organizers, teachers, dancers, musicians, and enthusiasts alike.
Much like the history of tango itself, which was born from the fusion of cultures, characters, hardships, and passions in the ports of Buenos Aires and Montevideo more than 140 years ago, Chicago’s tango community has grown through synergy, shared effort, and collective inspiration. ATI was—and still is, as one of the most beloved and important figures in tango, Osvaldo Pugliese, once said: “We are only one more poroto in this grand máquina tanguera.”
And so, with that spirit of humility and belonging, we share this chapter of our journey.