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Published: 10-06-2022
Argentine tango is an extraordinarily varied and social dance that forms part of the intricate culture of the country and is the pride and joy of Argentinian locals. Tango is more than a dance; it is a way of life. The pure representation of their heritage and a symbol of the nation’s creativity. Argentinian tango has a complex history, with many different styles of dance being practiced. These styles originated in the 1900s and are still popular to this day. Tango Orillero refers to the type of dance that developed outside of the cities, with more available space and freedom. Salon Tango is danced socially in the salons of Buenos Aires, and Tango Canyengue is a rhythmic style of tango that contains all the fundamental elements of traditional Argentine tango. These styles were practiced throughout the golden era of Argentine tango (1935-1952), when milongas were held in large dance venues and full tango orchestras performed. Tango re-emerged at the end of the Argentine military dictatorship in 1983; since then, new styles have developed, such as the Tango de Fantasia, Tango Nuevo and Estilo Milonguero. Now, how to go about learning this great art form?
Classic Tango Pose
Plaza Dorrego
Located in San Telmo, Plaza Dorrego is one of the oldest public plazas in the city, dating back to the 18th century. The Sunday market began in the 1970s and is a popular attraction and an excellent place to watch locals perform tango throughout the day. Free tango lessons are often given in the Plaza when the market closes.
Mente Argentina Tango School
The famous Mente Argentina Tango School combines different techniques from experienced and certified professors. Offering beginner, intermediate and advanced classes, the school covers everything from the basic to the most complicated techniques. The courses include milonga outings at tango clubs around the city to practice dance and experience the revived tango scene in Buenos Aires. Located in Palermo, the classes run for a minimum of two weeks.
Tango Class
Alejandro Gee
Alejandro Gee is a local Argentinian tango instructor whose style is traditional milonguero, inspired by his grandfather, a milonguero dancer and musician. His focus is on the traditional milonguero style because this forms the basis of all other tango styles and reflects his own culture and character. Gee is also a psychotherapist with his thesis on tango therapy, based on the experience of dancing the tango and its effect on people’s moods.
Alejandro Gee
La Viruta
This dance school located in Palermo Soho was established in 1994. Held in an authentic Argentine milonga, La Viruta offers private and group lessons with experienced bilingual teachers. This is the largest milonga in Argentina.
Milonga, Buenos Aires
Narrative Tango Tours
Cyrena Drusine, a professional tango dancer from New York, co-founded this unique tour. Drusine won the first US Tango Championship in 2007 and finished as a finalist in the World Tango Competition in the Tango Salon in Buenos Aires category‘Tango Salon in Buenos Aires’. She provides authentic tango-based tours from historical walks to classes and also accompanied outings to milongas. The technical and cultural aspects of the dance are some of the many things covered in the tour, as well as an insight into the history of tango music and how it is performed.
Street Tango
Lucia Y Gerry Tango
Lucia Y Gerry Tango is a class run by an Irishman and an Argentinian. Their teaching is based on how the tango is danced, focusing on using the dance floor's space and flow with the music. They believe to be successful, you need to understand the importance of the connection with your partner and realize that a relaxed, natural movement is vital.
