Re-sharing this earlier post by guest writer, "Tanguera Escondida", about using cabeceo... The cabeceo is considered an “Argentine” method of asking someone to dance. And honestly, it is not easy for us North Americans to feel comfortable staring at someone so directly. But once you get the hang of it, it’s definitely a great way to acknowledge your mutual interest in dancing together. A relaxed version of the cabeceo works great in other dance styles too. I've found much success just … Continue reading
Articles by Guest Writers
Tango and the Feminist
A new guest post By Sasha Cagen “You’re not getting the lead,” he tells me. Gruff, mid-fifties, beady eyes, a ponytail dwindling halfway down his back, Ponytail Man chose me as his partner for this advanced tango class at Floreal, a traditional milonga in Buenos Aires. It’s nice to be chosen, but now I’m not […]
Tango Dancing with the Stars
Everyone has to start somewhere. In Tango, we were all beginners at one point. But once we get past the point of being a beginner and become moderately competent, most of us do not want the challenge of dancing with a beginner again. It might make us look bad, or much worse, we may get […]
What Tango Taught Me About Relationships
I’m thrilled to announce we have a guest post by Sasha Cagen. Sasha is an Oakland tanguera and the author of “Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics”. In this post Sasha explains how Tango is a LOT more that just a dance… Tango is more than a dance. It can teach us a lot […]
How Many Tandas?
Half a tanda or 10? When do you leave a tanda, and for how many do you stay? The latest from guest writer Tanguera Escondida. One of my worst experiences in tango happened recently. I was sitting along the wall at a popular milonga when a dignified-looking man approached, wearing a pin-striped suit and button-up […]
The Lessons of Psicotango: How Tango Can Be Therapy
I am thrilled to announce we have another guest post by Sasha Cagen, author of “Quirkyalone: A Manifesto for Uncompromising Romantics”, relationship and life coach, and the creator of the Quirky Heart Tango Adventure in Buenos Aires. (Learn more at the bottom of this post). “Tango remains from its origins as a hug, an embrace, […]
Is Tango Better than Sex?
Guest writer, Sasha Cagen, returns with an even more enticing topic… The Tangasm. I do remember my first one quite fondly. It was at El V, and I literally left the dance floor a little breathless and light headed and would have gone for a cigarette if I smoked. Better than sex? I can’t say […]
Articles about Bay Area Milongas
Abrazo Queer Tango Workshop Weekend
This weekend, May 11 and 12th, is an excellent opportunity to switch roles in Tango! Have you always wanted to learn how to lead or follow but felt it was not acceptable. This weekend is your chance to dance an alternative role in a friendly welcoming environment. Increase your fun by leading or following and […]
Pushing Boundaries with Fusion Tango
Some would say true creativity can only happen when we push the boundaries on tradition. Tango has evolved a lot in the past 20 years. But then again, it has evolved a lot since its humble beginnings on the streets of Buenos Aires in the late 1800’s. Although many still revere the “Golden Age” of […]
Milonga Spotlight: El V
El V has a reputation. El Bailongo del Valenciano or “El V” as it’s affectionately known, has been described as the milonga in San Francisco most like one you would find in Buenos Aires. Some say it’s snobby, or intimidating, or that it’s hard to get a dance there. Others return week after week, in […]
Tango for the Day of Love
Valentine’s Day is coming up this Friday. Due to consumerism and pressure to buy stuff on every holiday possible, Valentine’s Day seems to have lost its meaning. Valentine’s Day should be about celebrating love. And I’m not talking about love just for your partner, but love for your family, friends, pets… you get the idea. […]
Milonga Spotlight: CMC Mission Milonga
The CMC Milonga is a wonderful intimate milonga in the heart of the Mission. It’s held in a beautiful Victorian concert hall with smooth wooden floor and outdoor patio. This monthly Milonga, held every 2nd Saturday of the month, often includes live music and dance performances by local and international Tango guests. Plus, all ages are welcome […]
Alex Levin Benefit Milonga
There is something about the nature of Tango that fosters a close-knit community. We develop our regular haunts, and see other tango regulars at these places. Sometimes we see each other two, three, or more times a week. With Tango, there is a lot of waiting, watching, and socializing, more than most other social dances. […]