Tag: milonga

Silueta Porteña. Argentine music. Milonga. Escuela de Tango de Buenos Aires.

“Silueta Porteña” by Francisco Canaro y su Orquesta Típica with Roberto Maida in vocals, 1936.

Popular dance or, simply, the milonga

This is a thing connected with urban music and, some decades before, was an activity to which boys used to devote rather long time because they regarded dancing as a spiritual channel and for many of them it became a joyful rite, hardly replaceable.

In the twenties and also partly in the thirties, the venues where people used to go to dance were: backyard dances, neighborhood clubs —where dancing reunions were held—, dancing clubs, dancehalls, tearooms and night clubs. Many of these places lasted up to the late fifties. Continue reading at www.todotango.com…

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“Te aconsejo que me olvides” by Anibal Troilo y su Orquesta Típica with Francisco Fiorentino in vocals, 1941.

Pedro Maffia

Bandoneonist, leader, composer, teacher
(28 August 1899 – 16 October 1967)

It is not known what secret gift made Pedro Maffia find in the core of the bandoneon sounds that nobody had discovered before.

Until the second decade of the twentieth century bandoneon players had a tendency to imitate the flute —gradually displaced in the early quartets— and the barrell organ with their instrument. Pedro Maffia was who delivered the bandoneon needed by this popular genre so to leave behind the playful Guardia Vieja (old stream) and turn serious, concentrated, fairly dreaming and frequently sad. Continue reading at www.tangomango.com…

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“Reliquias porteñas” by Francisco Canaro y su Orquesta Típica, 1938.

Graciano De Leone

Bandoneonist, leader and composer
(16 July 1890 – 21 June 1945)

This porteño was initially guitarist. His friend, Eduardo Arolas, persuaded him to pick up bandoneon. He had two brothers that were musicians, Pascual who was pianist and Nicolás, guitarist. He lived for a long time on Tacuarí 1870 and his whereabouts were the neighborhood of Barracas and Parque Lezama. Continue reading at 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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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.