What is a Milonga?
A milonga is an Argentine Tango social dance. People come as individuals or with a partner. The dance music will consist of tango, vals and milonga. Each is a different dance form within the family of Argentine tango. The music is typically played in tandas (sets) with three or four songs per tanda. By custom, the music within a given tanda will be of the same genre. Between tandas, there are short interludes of non-tango music known as cortinas. The cortina is a customary time to change partners. A practica is an informal event where one can practice how to dance at a milonga. The floorcraft and music protocols for practicas are relaxed. Specifically, it is okay to impede the flow along the line of dance within reason to work on a particular movement. It is also okay to stop and discuss what is and isn’t workingto the limits your partner accepts. In addition, the music probably won’t be played in tandas with cortinas.
The Spanish word Milonga has several meanings ranging from a type of music (written in 2/4 time) – and the dance associated with it – in the Tango family, the dance which preceded the Tango historically, or the dance salon where people go to dance tango. As listed under IXI Danza’s social program, a Milonga means a Tango party, where people come together, socialise and make new friends and, of course, dance Tango! We may have special theme nights from time to time.
Confusingly there are two distinct meanings for the word Milonga. It’s the name given to a dance event – the equivalent of the English ‘ball’. Which is why you might wear informal clothes for a practica and choose to dress up if you are going to a milonga. It is also the name given to a particular type of music – a fast form of tango. How many dances should I have with the same partner? It can take time to tune into a new partner. Three dances is a reasonable minimum. (But if you are really not enjoying the experience you can of course say “Thank you”, and duck out earlier. Equally, if it is working well, you can stay longer.) What are the benefits of private lessons? If you really want to improve your dancing, it is worth taking private lessons whenever you get the opportunity. They are more expensive, but with a good teacher can turn out to be cost-effective. In a group class you might get personal attention from the teacher for no more than about 10 minutes.
The word Milonga has two meanings. It means a tango dance party where people dance Argentine Tango, Tango Milonga and Tango Vals. Milonga is also a kind of tango dance where the music is a little fast paced. Typical Milongas in Buenos Aires run from 10pm to 6am. Although at the club, Milongs in San Diego usually last from 9:00pm to 1:00am. with the exception of our milonga at the Turquoise which goes from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m… The lights are dimmed and candles are lit to give the room an intimate feeling. The music is usually played in tandas (sets of 3-4 songs). Check the Tango Etiquette link for more information..
