Followership and Tango

Tango: The Dance of the Leader and the Follower

Tango is a close, improvisational dance that requires excellence in both leadership and followership. Ira Chaleff has produced a gorgeous video in which Sharna Fabiano, one of the leading Tango practitioners in the US, demonstrates the ways in which following well brings out the creativity of the leader and following poorly undermines the leader and the dance.

Followership and Tango
In between each dance sequence Sharna and her partner Isaac Oboka dialogue about what Isaac as the leader experienced when Sharna demonstrates a variety of poor following. Their unrehearsed banter is delightful and instructive. In the final sequence, Sharna demonstrates how a strong follower can steady a leader who has lost balance — something leaders in every sphere of life need at one time or another.

Tango and Followership Video Production Team

Chaleff has teamed with Sharna Fabiano, founder of Tangomercurio and the Tango Mercurio Community Orchestra in Washington, DC to produce a unique and aesthetically charming video. In between each dance sequence Sharna and her partner Isaac Oboka dialogue about what Isaac as the leader experienced when Sharna demonstrates a variety of poor following. Their unrehearsed banter is delightful and instructive. In the final sequence, Sharna demonstrates how a strong follower can steady a leader who has lost balance — something leaders in every sphere of life need at one time or another.

Kevin Good as director, videographer and editor, has created a visually stunning experience that will surprise and delight viewers.

When following, be courageous.

When leading, encourage
courageous followership.

I know change can be scary, but it can also be exciting. It’s the moment you say yes to your secret wish, discover the depth of your courage, and achieve goals that may have seemed impossible before.

Sharna Fabiano

Followership and Tango (2019 © Ira Chaleff)