If you’ve ever found yourself glued to the screen during “Dancing with the Stars,” holding your breath through a dramatic lift or a perfectly timed pause, German Cornejo’s Tango After Dark is the live experience you’ve been waiting for.
Coming to Walton Arts Center Wednesday, Jan. 21 for one night only, Tango After Dark brings the passion, precision and pure athleticism of tango from the streets of Buenos Aires to the stage in a way that feels both classic and contemporary. Led by world-renowned dancer and choreographer German Cornejo, the show features an ensemble of exceptional dancers whose chemistry and storytelling rival the most memorable routines you’ve seen on television—only now, it’s happening right in front of you.
“I hope audiences feel tango as a language that communicates what words cannot, and that they take with them a sense of our culture, the beauty of Argentine tango, and the unique connection that only comes through the embrace of tango,” Cornejo said.
Fans of “Dancing with the Stars” will recognize that same mix of technical mastery and emotional connection that makes ballroom dance so captivating. Every step is intentional. Every movement tells a story. From lightning-fast footwork to intimate, breath-catching moments between partners, Tango After Dark showcases the kind of artistry that judges praise and audiences can’t stop talking about.
But what truly sets this performance apart is the power of seeing the dance and the music performed live.
“Live music transforms the space and creates intimacy. A soundtrack may be technically perfect, but live music allows dancers to react instantly, letting the energy rise or fall with the real-time pulse,” Cornejo said. “That authentic vibrancy creates a magic that is impossible to replicate with recorded music.”
The music surrounds you. The rhythm pulses through the theater. You can feel the intensity of each glance, each embrace and each dramatic finish in real time. It’s an immersive experience that reminds us why dance has the ability to move us—literally and emotionally.
“The coordination between musicians and dancers is a constant dialogue,” Cornejo said. “Yes, there is room for improvisation, because tango allows it, but the choreographic pieces are carefully structured to achieve a level of complexity that wouldn’t be possible if we were improvising, especially in group numbers where synchronization and collective creation are key. These open moments of surprise generate unique experiences in every performance.”
Whether you’re a longtime fan of ballroom dance or simply love the excitement and glamour of shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” German Cornejo’s Tango After Dark is a night at the theater that promises passion, elegance and unforgettable moments.
Join us at Walton Arts Center and experience tango the way it was meant to be seen—up close, alive and full of fire. Tickets are $28.75-$63.25
