Four-hundred and eighty-five couples from 22 countries are in the home of tango, Buenos Aires, for the fourth World Tango Championship.

From its early days in the bars and brothels of 19th-Century Buenos Aires, tango has evolved into one of the most sophisticated forms of dance.

A fair sells everything the tango enthusiast might need, from shoes and hats to sequinned dresses.

Music, paintings and figurines are also available for those seeking a rest from the dance floor.

The 10-day event, which runs until 27 August, also includes celebrations of some of the tango greats and exhibitions by some of Argentina's finest dancers

Competition is intense. There is ballroom tango which has its followers in Europe, the United States and Japan, and traditional tango for the purists.

The winners of each category receive a prize of US$1,600 and the title of best tango dancers in the world. Photos/Text : Daniel Schweimler and Claudia Ricca.