From Milongo to mainstream, Kruti Gandhi Sarda's Tango story
Kruti secured third place in the Social Tango category, a uniquely challenging division where partners are switched after each song and all performances are completely improvised. Her achievement marks a significant breakthrough for India on the international Tango stage.
Kruti's journey with Tango started in 2015, during a two-month trip to Europe where she learnt it. Once she returned to Mumbai, a city where Tango was almost non-existent back then, she started teaching what she had learnt. That is the genesis of Abrazo Tango, a Tango school founded by her. 'It has been an incredible journey of exploration and growth,' says Kruti, who started with just six students, both of whom went on to compete at the Indonesia Tango Championship in Bali.
Kruti teaches and performs within the country and overseas, with students ranging from amateurs to Bollywood actors. 'While previously, Kruti conducted regular Tango classes at IIT Mumbai, she now takes classes with Ajinkya Deshpande on Saturdays. They also organise milongas (Tango socials) and practice sessions to build and support the local Tango community. In March this year, she taught at Tango Amistoso, one of London's leading Tango schools. In the past, she performed at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), IIT Bombay's Mood Indigo, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and Soho House Mumbai.
In July, Abrazo Tango will host its annual Tango Dance Marathon in Mumbai — a weekend-long immersive celebration of social Tango, bringing together hundreds of dancers from across India. 'It will be three-days of non-stop dancing, inspiring performances and a strong sense of community. Attendees can expect high-energy milongas, workshops and a Tango flea market that celebrate the spirit of the dance. It is a welcoming space for dancers of all levels,' elaborates Kruti.
Tango, in India, is niche and Kruti had her own share of upheavals. For this reason, she is actively working to expand the Tango community in India — a challenging journey that demands continuous learning, creativity and adaptability. She believes India has potential for a vibrant and expansive Tango scene. Her goal is to share the magic of Tango with as many people as possible and build a strong, supportive dance culture. 'Every new dancer, who falls in love with Tango, brings us one step closer. It is not just about the dance, but about connection, expression and creating something meaningful together.'
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