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 between 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.
Here in the Bay Area, we have a few practilongas. A practilonga combines the relaxed atmosphere of a “practica” with the format of a milonga.
Learning Tango
Argentine Tango takes both discipline and determination to learn and requires a deep connection between you and your partner. Once you become competent (through learning and practice), Tango will provide extraordinary moments of 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 the topic of the mind/body connection in Tango as well as the passionate and romantic aspect of this dance. Visit the BOOKS/ART section of this site for recommendations on Tango books and articles to learn more.
Here are FIVE suggestions to help you with the process of learning Tango.
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 $20-$25 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 foundation of the basic elements is the most important part of the dance. For classes at the Beginner level, 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
Making friends in Tango is one of the 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. Bring a friendly and open attitude to class, practica, and the milonga, and 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 MeetUp.
Excerpt from Meetup Page:
“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.”
Bay Area Tango MeetUp group
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.
New! Veronica Toumanova compiled a wonderful book based on her very popular Tango essays – Why Tango?. It’s a great read for dancers of all levels.
Why Tango: Essays on learning, dancing and living tango argentino (Volume 1)
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.
Practicas are usually casual – for ladies, think loose pants, skirts and tops you can move in. Men can wear jeans to practice and a nice t-shirt.
Milongas are usually a lot more formal. For ladies, sexy dresses with slits, or skirts that flow with 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 while you are in a close embrace. For men, loose, comfortable pants are a good option. Definitely a button-down shirt, a jacket and a tie if it’s a more formal milonga.
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.
5. Go out Dancing
So now you have taken a few lessons, made some friends, read up on the etiquette and music 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 ones 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, performances, and special classes. Also, TANGO FESTIVALS are another great way to immerse yourself in the dance and meet lots of other fellow dancers.