What is a Milonga? What is a Practica?
A milonga is an Argentine Tango social dance. People come as individuals or with a partner. Music is usually played in tandas, or sets, with 3 or 4 songs in a tanda. In betwen tandas there will be a cortina, a short music interlude (30 sec or so long) of non-tango music. This is the customary time to return to your seats and look for a new partner. Milonga is also a style of dance, played and danced on the 2/4 beat rather than the standard 4/4.
A practica is a place to practice Tango. Floorcraft protocols are generally relaxed as compared to a milonga. Specifically, it is acceptable to talk during the dance, and work on steps or figures.
Learning Tango
Let me say it straight up: as far as social dances go, Argentine Tango is one of the hardest to master. You will often hear, “if you can walk, you can tango”. This is true to an extent, however the best Tango dancers in the world are always improving upon their tango walk. The Tango walk is one of the most elemental and crucial aspects of this dance.
There will be much anguish between your first lesson and your first year of dancing and it will not end there. Really. And for men (usually the leaders of the dance), it is even harder as you will not only need to learn your own steps but how to properly lead your follower into hers. Okay, if I have not scared you off yet, you will find that once you have become competent (through much practice), Tango will give you extraordinary moments of true bliss. Perhaps because you worked so hard for it, the lure of “Tango heaven” will keep you returning again and again.
Tango also provides amazing benefits to your mind, body and spirit. Much has been written on this topic of the mind/body connection in Tango as well as the passion and romantic aspect of this dance. Visit the BOOKS/ART section of this site for recommendations on Tango books and articles.
There are 5 steps to follow when first bringing Tango into your life.
1. Take classes
2. Make friends
3. Learn about the etiquette, history, music and tango masters
4. Dress the part
5. Go out dancing
1. Take classes
Visit the LEARN page of this site to find a teacher near you. Group classes are an excellent and affordable option (usually between $10-$15 per class). Just remember to find a teacher who is good at teaching the basic elements of the dance and not just the fancy moves that you see in performances. Having a good strong foundation will make learning the fancy moves a whole lot easier. For most beginner classes, you will not need to bring a partner. The instructor will invite everyone to rotate partners.
If you can afford it, private lessons (usually between $60 to $100+) are an excellent way to improve your dance quickly. You will be able to work on exactly what you need and pinpoint aspects of your dance that need improvement.
2. Make Friends
This may sound crazy, but making friends in Tango is very important. It is one of best ways to make sure you get to dance (unless you only want to dance with your significant other/dance partner). Most of the time people will dance with people they know. It’s as simple as that. Bringing a friendly and open attitude to class, practica and milonga, people will want to dance with you, even if you are just learning.
Here is a tip: if you are new to Tango and want to meet other like-minded friends, join the Bay Area Tango Meet Up.
Sheri Lee is the organizer of this meet up. These events are a great way to make new Tango friends and meet other dancers who are not in your classes. Sheri wrote an eloquent introduction to Tango. Here is an excerpt:
“Learning to dance Argentine Tango can be intimidating. The key to dancing well is to learn the basics, which are easy steps (if you can walk, you have the ability to tango), and to master them – i.e. learn them well enough so you don’t have to think too much when you do them. This is a simple thing, but not so easy for most people because most of us tend to think too much. Tango is more about the connection, less about the steps, or thinking about the steps. It is only when you get to the point when you don’t have to think too hard that, ahhhhh, that is when the tango “magic” happens. Once you experience that magic, you will fall irrevocably in love with Tango.”3. Learn about the etiquette, history, music and tango masters
To dance Argentine Tango properly one must learn the etiquette. There are a lot more “rules” embedded in Tango than any other dance. It’s advised to read up as much as you can on the history of Tango, the terminology, the orchestras and the Tango masters. It will help you to understand the dance more completely.
A must read article: The Do’s and Don’ts of Inviting and Accepting by Ney Melo
Very Tango – Excellent site for Tango terminology and history – highly recommended.
TodoTango - tango history, music, lyrics, and more
Why Tango – A leaders Appreciation
Tangomania – Two women’s thoughts
4. Dress the Part
Dressing appropriately is a big part of dancing and getting danced. But it may not be what you think. If you’ve watched “Dancing with the Stars” this is not what people will normally wear social dancing.
Part of dressing right, is wearing the right shoes… (and yes Ladies, the shoes are amazing). Visit the WEAR page for information on where to buy Tango shoes and clothes.
Practicas are u
sually more casual – for ladies, think loose pants, skirts and tops you can move in. Men can wear jeans to practice and a nice t-shirt just make sure you look (and smell) nice.
Milongas – people usually dress up a lot more. For ladies, sexy dresses with slits, or skirts that flow. Tops that show the back and shoulders are a good choice. Try to stay away from glitter and sequins as they can ruin a man’s shirt. For men, loose, comfortable pants are a good option. Definitely a collard shirt, a jacket and tie if it’s a more formal milonga. Important: make sure you smell nice and have fresh breath.
5. Go out Dancing
So now you have taken a few lessons, made some friends, read up on the etiquette and bought some shoes. You are ready for your first Milonga. Keep in mind, when you begin to attend Milongas, it’s a good idea to just watch. Watch the interactions of people on and off the dance floor. Notice which couple’s look like good dancers and figure out why. Notice which couples are moving with the flow and which one’s disturb it. A lot can be learned by just watching.
Visit the DANCE page to read up on the different practica’s and milongas. Also check out TangoMango to see your options for different venues, performance and special classes. Also TANGO FESTIVALS are another great way to immerse yourself in the dance and meet lot’s of other fellow dancers.