We often talk about how tango changes the lives of those who dance it: creating joy, boosting confidence, creating friendships and communities;

But what about tango helping to change the lives of the country who gave it to us?

Our glittering Tango Winter Ball took place last Saturday night in the Old Finsbury Town Hall Islington to celebrate Tango Movement’s 10th Anniversary here in London. Once again, the beautifully ornate hall was filled with the spine-tingling notes of live tango music and dancers locked in the close tango embrace.

We were brought together by our love of tango but also by our desire to help people living many miles away.

To produce the Winter Ball, Tango Movement works in partnership with APARU – the Association of Argentine Professionals in the UK. All the proceeds from our Balls go towards the charitable causes supported by APARU.

Since we started organising our Tango Balls with APARU in 2011, the Winter Ball has raised a total of £20,000.

This money has supported a number of projects in Argentina, including a hospital train providing medical care to remote villages, accommodation and primary medial care in a homeless centre, and a reading and literacy foundation for children living in extreme poverty. And the project endorsed by APARU this year: providing medical health care to visually impaired people.

By coming to the Winter Ball this year, we’d like to know what you have done:

Raul, a 62 year old electrician, has recovered his ability to see. You have paid for his surgery and he is now able to enjoy life through his eyes. He can now go back to work and pay for his kids’ food, shelter and education. YOU have changed his life and his family’s lives.

Luciano, who’s 8 years old and suffered from acute cataracts in one eye, has undergone surgery. He not only has recovered his ability to see but can also now to go back to school. YOU have changed Luciano’s life and have given him a much better future.

We could go on telling you how each of you have impacted someone’s life for the better. And trust me, as cliché as this may sound, you and your passion for tango have truly changed lives. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing this crazy dream to change the world! Until next year!

For more information on APARU, please go to http://www.aparu.org.uk. Donations are always welcome!