Sultry, exotic and swirling through the streets of Buenos Aires 200 dancers turn up the heat on the Argentine capital to kick off the 2008 World Tango Festival. Here in the birthplace of the tango, the Argentinian team are also the defending champions.

Four hundred and forty couples from 23 countries are entered  in the competitions that got into full stride Monday.

The dancers got things started Sunday at the opening ceremony for the 2008 Festival. Some call the tango, the most romantic dance on earth. The international competition attracts couples from everywhere to compete in the week long finals.

Colombian entrant Oscar Orejuela says the competition provides motivation for avid tango aficionados. He and his partner work hard to improve their skills stylistically and and technically.

Oscar Orejuela, contestant from Colombia, says "This is the first time we've come. We're really enthusiastic. We have come here to learn as much as we can. We've been doing the tango for years but, here, we are inspired to learn more. And, like everyone else we want to improve."

Kyoko Yamao, who represents Japan, says competing in the birthplace of the tango adds an extra dimension to the experience.

Kyoko Yamao, contestant from Japan, says "For me, coming to Argentina to study the Tango is something very special because in Japan there is no classic Tango such as you see here in Buenos Aires. So that's why it's so special for me to come here. It's not the same as in Japan ."

Four hundred and forty couples from 23 countries are entered in the competitions that got into full stride Monday. The couples qualified at elimination rounds in New Zealand, Colombia, Japan, Chile, Venezuela and Argentina.