Author: Marcelo Solis

I was born in Argentina. Through my family and the community that saw my upbringing, I have been intimately involved with the culture of Tango all my life, and have been an Argentine Tango dance performer, choreographer and instructor for over 30 years. I profoundly love Tango dancing, music, and culture, particularly that of the Golden Era. I am a milonguero.

“Garúa” by Pedro Laurenz y su Orquesta Típica with Alberto Podestá in vocals, 1943.

Enrique Cadícamo

Poet, lyricist, composer, writer, and theatre writer.
(July 15, 1900 – December 3, 1999)

It is difficult to find so prolific an author within any songbook in the world; he approached any imaginable subject to be sung and in all rhythms.

“An everlasting boy —wrote León Benarós—, Cadícamo seems to live counterclockwise. He keeps his hair intact, of a pale blond color, that becomes square at the back of his neck and rather long in a juvenile fashion… He wears light-colored ties —once we saw him with one of a subtle yellow color— and his sports coats add him youth. He wants to forget about time because he knows that time —“that dark enemy that sucks our blood”, according to Baudelaire’s lines—, feeds on our illusions, on our life…” Continue reading at www.todotango.com…

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Marcelo Solis dancing Argentine Tango with Mimi on a colorful chrome background

Navigating the Argentine Tango Milonga Scene: A Beginner’s Guide

So, you’ve heard about milongas and are eager to join in on the dance floor.

But what exactly do you need to be able to go to these vibrant gatherings of Argentine Tango enthusiasts?

Let me break it down for you.

First and foremost, having basic social skills is key. Just like attending any other social event, you want to present yourself in a friendly and approachable manner. Make sure you’re clean and well-dressed, and be mindful of how you interact with others – whether it’s formal or informal depends on your relationship with each person.

If you’re new to the milonga scene, it’s a good idea to get an invite from someone who’s a regular attendee. This can serve as your bridge into the community and help you integrate more smoothly.

One way to find connections to milongas is through your tango classes. Fellow students who have been attending milongas can often introduce you to the scene.

And if you’re taking private lessons, your instructor can be your gateway to the milonga world. In fact, preparing students for the milonga experience is a primary goal of many Argentine Tango instructors.

Now, don’t feel pressured to dance right away when you attend your first milongas. It’s perfectly okay to just observe and soak in the atmosphere. Remember, the main purpose of a milonga is to facilitate the dance of Argentine Tango among its participants, but this happens naturally as part of the socialization process.

Dancing at milongas should be a choice made freely, without any sense of obligation. So, be considerate of others and never make anyone feel compelled to dance with you. Keep in mind that the beauty of tango lies in its freedom, and dancing under the weight of obligation simply isn’t authentic.

In conclusion, to thrive in the milonga scene, focus on building your social skills, make connections through classes or acquaintances, and always approach the dance floor with a sense of freedom and respect for others. With these principles in mind, you’ll be ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Argentine Tango milongas.

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Anibal Troilo. Argentine music at Escuela de tango de Buenos Aires.

“Guapeando” by Anibal Troilo y su Orquesta Típica, 1941.

Aníbal Troilo

Bandoneon player, leader and composer.
(11 July 1914 – 19 May 1975)

He was spellbound by the bandoneon when he heard its sound at cafés in his neighborhood. He was ten when he persuaded his mother into buying one for him. They got it at 140 pesos of that time, to be paid in 14 stallments, but after the fourth payment, the shopkeeper died and no one ever claimed for the rest. With that instrument he played almost during his whole lifetime. Continue reading at www.todotango.com…

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“Sin lágrimas” by Osvaldo Pugliese y su Orquesta Típica, 1946.

Charlo

Argentine Tango singer, musician, pianist, actor, and composer.
(July 7, 1906 – October 30, 1990)

In his important work as a composer of rare ability to musically express human drama and romantic rapture, the following tunes stand out: with lyrics by the filmmaker Luis César Amadori, the tangos “Cobardía”, “Rencor” and “Tormento”; with José González Castillo, “El viejo vals”, a piece of rare perfection, unparalleled in Charlo’s rendition; with José María Contursi, “Sin lágrimas”; with Cátulo Castillo, “Sin ella”. “Fueye” and the beautiful waltz “Tu pálida voz” with lyrics by Homero Manzi. And with Cadícamo, besides “Ave de paso”, three tangos of high value but very different from each other stand out: “Rondando tu esquina”, “Viejas alegrías” and “La barranca”. Continue reading at todotango.com…

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Argentine Tango dancing by Marcelo Solis and Mimi at Yountville, California

Exploring the Essence of Milonga

In contemporary language, the term “milonga” unfolds into two distinct dimensions:

A specific rhythm and musical genre.
A vibrant Tango dance gathering.

The roots of this intriguing word delve into the West African Bantu language, where “malonga” translates to “word.” “Milonga” emerges as the plural of “malonga,” signifying a collection of words.

Historical insights propose that the African community in Rio de La Plata initially employed this term in reference to the “payada,” a musical competition featuring two participants engaging in guitar play and improvised verse exchanges. The rhythm of these expressions eventually evolved into what we now recognize as the milonga rhythm.

As Tango dance emerged onto the scene, it began as a versatile partner dance adaptable to various rhythmic styles.

While the Waltz held sway during its inception, the milonga rhythm seamlessly integrated into Tango’s dance technique, proving an ideal match. Over time, “milonga” not only encapsulated the rhythm but also became synonymous with the gathering and venue where this distinctive dance form flourished. The word “Tango” was initially a synonym of “milonga”, and they later became the name of two differentiated rhythms. Tango dance parties and the location where it is danced kept the name “milonga”, as well as its crowd of participants, “milongueros”.

For over 130 years, milongas, meaning Tango dance parties, have thrived. Throughout this enduring legacy, milongas have crafted a unique set of codes, fostering efficiency and creating an environment conducive to the emergence of exceptional dancers. This cultural phenomenon remains a cherished gem, weaving its narrative through time.