Frodo, Sam and the power of Tango

In the last post, I described how the Ring from The Lord of the Rings can symbolise Tango’s power and how it amplifies what’s already inside us. I used the relationship between Gollum and the Ring to show how Tango (The Ring) can twist us when we dance to escape ourselves (like Gollum used the Ring). But not everyone who carries the Ring turns into Gollum.

Some carry it like Frodo.
And some… walk beside the ones who struggle, like Sam.

The heavy burden and struggle of Frodo

Frodo didn’t want the Ring. He wasn’t ambitious or power-hungry. But when it came to him, he accepted it. Not because he felt worthy, but because someone had to do it.

Sound familiar?

Maybe you’re a teacher. An organiser. A DJ. Maybe you’re not chasing fame, but you still find yourself with influence. People look to you, copy you, and talk about you. You didn’t ask for the “Ring,” but here it is.

And now, the question isn’t how to get rid of it.
It’s how to carry it, without letting it change you.

Because even Frodo wasn’t immune. The closer he got to the mountain, the heavier it became. He started to pull away. He kept secrets. Pushed Sam away. He doubted himself. Doubted others.

And yet… he never stopped walking.

There’s something noble in that struggle. Not perfect. But human. And very real in Tango, too.

Some dancers become the “main character” in their local scene and still manage to stay humble. Some organisers offer to the community and don’t make it about themselves. Some DJs play music that makes you dance all night and don’t brag about it.

They are Frodos. They carry Tango as the Ring, being fully aware of their responsibility and its burden. They manage to find their footing and carry on.

It’s not easy. It’s a constant struggle between turning into a Gollum, and running away and disappearing entirely, not because they’re weak, but because they didn’t know how else to escape the pressure.

The ones who walk beside

And then there’s Sam. Sam never wanted the Ring. He didn’t care about adventure or recognition. He just wanted Frodo to be okay. But here’s the thing: without Sam, the Ring would never have made it to Mount Doom.

Sam never tried to take the burden. He didn’t push advice or try to fix things. He stayed. Listened. Made sure Frodo ate. Reminded him of the why. And when Frodo finally collapsed, Sam carried him.

That’s called holding space.

I saw a beautiful breakdown of this in another video from Charisma on Command. Holding space isn’t fixing, pleasing, or advising. It’s staying present while someone else wrestles with their emotions or responsibilities. It’s making room for their experience, even when it’s messy.

Sam didn’t need the spotlight. But without him, the journey fails.

In Tango, we often undervalue this.

We think being a “great dancer” means being like Frodo. But some of the most powerful presences in a milonga are the Sams. The ones who show up. Support. Notice. Encourage. Hold space… for their partners… for the community… for something bigger than themselves.

Because not everyone has to be the shiny hero. Not every milonga has to be a star. Not every connection needs to sparkle with joy. Sometimes, the most powerful dancers, milongas or tandas, are quiet… grounded… steady.

The power of Tango and you

Not everyone is Gollum.
Not everyone wants to carry the Ring.
But most of us, at some point, might find ourselves close to its power.

And that power of influence, attention, recognition, can change you. Or, it can invite you to walk carefully. To carry it with humility. To accept the weight, but never forget why you picked it up in the first place.

Tango is powerful. It brings beauty, connection, even healing.
But only if we hold it with care.

Tonight’s Goodnight Tango

Tonight’s Goodnight Tango is titled “Next to your heart”. It’s easy to understand that it is about love, devotion and loyalty. Not the loud kind. The kind that stays in the background, steady, quiet and true. Like Sam.

Listen to it when you need a reminder that your presence matters, even when no one’s watching.

So… how about you?
Are you carrying the Ring?
Are you supporting those who do?
Or are you clutching it like your “precious,” afraid to let go?

Comment below or join the discussion in the community

Need to talk privately? Contact me personally.

Or… just spread the word!