The Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires is synonymous with the romance of the tango. That makes it the perfect location for the qualifiers of the World Tango Championships. A record number of couples, 556 from 37 countries, are competing in this year's annual competition in both a flashy stage style, and the more traditional salon style contests.

United States' Caelyn Casanova, left, and Johnny Nguyen, from Los Angeles, dance during the 2013 Tango World Championship salon category in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Monday, Aug. 19, 2013.

And for the first time organizers this year invited same sex dance couples to compete in the World Championships, which make up part of the larger Buenos Aires Tango Festival. Competitors in the stage tango competition will dance two tangos over the course of two days. Judges score their performance on technique, creativity and interpretation.

A Mexican dance couple, competing in the competition, say they were hoping for the best outcome, but were just happy to take part.

Lidia Losada Nava, Contestant, said, "This is the first time I've come here and it is a dream come true to have gone up on stage and to have made it here. Whatever comes next will be a plus [laughs]. Of course, it's everyone's dream, right? But I'm happy,"

Jesus Gonzalez Espinoza, Contestant, said, "In Mexico I was a tango street performer. I came here to see what tango was all about and heard about the World Tango Championships. I've come here every year since then and it's always an overdose of inspiration, learning and challenges."

Part of the draw for some tango dancers and competitors is the community spirit here. Many of the tango enthusiasts share their skills at the festival, offering music performances, workshops, classes and other activities that are all free and open to the public.

Cristina Rios, Contestant, said, "It's wonderful to dance and it's such a precious thing to get to know all the people you meet here. So I will go home excited to share the tango with everyone in Chile."

The final in the stage tango competition will close the festival on August 27 when 20 couples will compete for the crown in the final round.

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