MILONGA AND TANGO DANCER CODES

Milonga and Tango Dancer Codes

The codes of the milonga and tango dancer are habits that have become part of the culture of Buenos Aires and the rest of Argentina over decades. This summary, created with input from «milongueros» with over 50 years of dance experience, has been updated to reflect the practices of new «milongueros.»
Written in Buenos Aires by Carlos Neuman

YOU CAN WATCH THEM IN VIDEO English subtitles

CODES FOR THE DANCER

Traditionally, the invitation to dance is made by the man to the woman. However, nowadays, it is also accepted for the woman to take the initiative, as well as invitations for same-sex couples to dance.
The invitation is usually made by a «cabeceo» (nod) from the table or by approaching the person so they notice your presence. Today, it is also accepted to invite directly at the table, always respectfully and without pressuring them to accept. (If the person does not wish to dance with the inviter, one way is to avoid holding eye contact).
The invited person indicates their interest in accepting the invitation by looking directly at the inviter and nodding their head.
Once the invitation is accepted, the invited person waits seated or stands up and positions themselves next to their chair to ensure they are the one being invited.
It is not recommended to dance repeated tandas (sets of songs) with the same partner; it is customary to wait three or four tandas before dancing with the same person again. Formal couples are an exception to this rule.
At the end of the tanda, it is customary to accompany the invited person back to their place.
It is considered inappropriate to invite a member of a couple who has danced two or more consecutive tandas, as this may indicate a special relationship between them. This rule can be made more flexible if the couple shows that they are open to dancing with others.
It is customary for attendees of the milonga to prepare carefully, maintaining good hygiene and dressing appropriately: elegant or smart casual.
One should not teach (give classes); that is what classes and practices are for.
The couple enters the dance floor preferably from a corner to avoid interrupting other couples.
Upon entering the dance floor, the couple should begin dancing immediately, avoiding interrupting or bothering other couples who are already dancing.
One does not overtake another couple on the «blind side of the leader,» which is their right side.
When there is little space between couples on the dance floor, movements such as ganchos (hooks) and high voleos (sweeps) should be avoided. The dance should be adapted to the available space.
In case of bumps or stepping on feet, one should apologize subtly, with a gesture or a smile, without interrupting the dance or turning one’s head.
It is essential to try to maintain connection and feeling during the dance. This includes avoiding rapid head movements (when turning, looking at adornments, etc.), interruptions of the dance for any reason (apologizing, greeting others, etc.), talking or singing during the dance, and avoiding leaning excessively on the partner to maintain balance.
During the dance, one avoids talking or humming the music, maintaining concentration and connection with the partner.
The first few bars of each tango serve to recognize the melody, sharpen the senses, and, if desired, talk to get to know each other.
One should avoid ending the dance before the tanda ends. Saying «thank you» to end the dance prematurely is considered disrespectful and is used only in case of inappropriate behavior by the partner. The tanda should be completed as a sign of courtesy, as one invited and the other accepted.
Invitations and behavior among friends of the group may differ from these codes.
In milongas, acts of extreme affection are avoided. It is important to maintain the norms of good social customs.

DANCE FLOOR CODES

The dance takes place around the dance floor counterclockwise.
The dance takes place in parallel concentric lines, with the outer line reserved for experienced dancers and the center for beginners.
One should dance within the line of progression and stay in it without invading other rows.
One dances in the direction of the row’s progression, not transversely to it, thus avoiding invading the adjacent row.
The dance floor is exclusively for dancing. One should not walk or cross the dance floor, even to approach a person one has invited to dance.
The first tango played by the orchestra is not danced to; it is appreciated in silence and is for the artists to showcase their talent.
When the orchestra does not set tandas, the end of the dance is mutually agreed upon; the common duration is 3 or 4 songs.
During the dance, one avoids talking or humming, maintaining concentration and connection with the partner.
It is customary to try to maintain connection and feeling during the dance. To do this, rapid head movements, unnecessary interruptions of the dance, talking or singing during it, or leaning excessively on the partner to maintain balance are avoided.
The first few bars of each musical piece serve to recognize the melody and sharpen the senses. It is recommended not to dance immediately, especially for the leader, who uses this time to become familiar with the music.
One should avoid ending the dance before the tanda ends. Saying «thank you» to end the dance prematurely is considered disrespectful and is used only in case of inappropriate behavior by the partner. The tanda should be completed as a sign of courtesy, as one invited and the other accepted.

GENERAL MILONGA CODES

The milonga is a place to dance and enjoy tango. Those who come with other intentions should be discreet and respect the dancers, as well as the codes and customs of the place.
It is customary for attendees to have assigned tables and chairs. Standing is only allowed when all tables and chairs are occupied. Therefore, it is usual for attendees to reserve a table in advance with the event organizer.
The milonga is a place to dance and enjoy tango. Those who come with other intentions should be discreet and respect the dancers, as well as the codes and customs of the place.

Engineer Carlos Neuman