It takes two to tango
Chinese dance duo's journey from Shanghai to Buenos Aires celebrates discipline, culture and a global spotlight
Chinese tango dancers Su Junqiang and Guo Xingzhu waltzed their way to international acclaim after winning the China regional competition in Shanghai earlier this year. They also represented China in the just-concluded 2025 Tango World Cup in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to compete among the world's best in the birthplace of the dance.
Arriving in Argentina on Aug 20, the duo immersed themselves in intensive training with the 2022 world champions Sebastian Bolivar and Cynthia Palacios, spending nearly all their time in the dance studio to refine their technique and stage presence.
Su, a tango instructor with a decade of experience, and Guo, who transitioned from other dance forms, defied expectations by winning the Salon (Tango de Pista) category at the 2025 Tango World Cup China Selection. This victory earned them a coveted spot to represent China in the world championship.
Their hard work and perseverance paid off on the global stage. Competing against elite dancers from around the world, Su and Guo advanced through the rounds with grace and skill, successfully securing a place in the tournament's semifinals. Their performance was so captivating that they were also invited to showcase their artistry at the exclusive Champions' Milonga following the main event.
After the championship concluded on Sept 2, the pair chose to extend their stay in Buenos Aires. They are devoting an additional week to advanced training, seizing the invaluable opportunity to learn from the city's top tango masters and absorb the culture that gives the dance its soul.
In the city, Su and Guo are writing their own dance story — one of passion, dedication and spectacular rhythm, proudly putting Chinese tango on the world map.
The world's largest tango gathering, the 2025 Tango World Cup, took place from Aug 20 to Sept 2, with more than 500 events and about 2,000 artists spread across 50 venues.
The dance competition drew a record 841 couples from over 50 countries and regions, including Argentina, Germany, Canada, France, Italy and China. Argentine dancers Leandro Bojko and Micaela Garcia were crowned world champions in the competition's Stage Tango category.
