If there’s one cultural and social activity that Argentina is known for, it is tango. The very mention of tango tends to elicit images of lively, fast-paced music, women twirling passionately dressed in brightly colored dresses, and confident men who know how to guide their partner to success in a series of beautifully choreographed movements. The dance is indeed one of Argentina’s most prized cultural exports and is today practiced around the world. With the help and support of countless tango instructional classes that have sprung up in countries everywhere, those who have developed an interest in the hobby (perhaps as a result of its popularization in movies and TV programs) have been able to indulge in Argentina’s favorite dance like never before.
To get a true taste of what tango is all about, however, one should head to Buenos Aires. The energetic capital of Argentina is the ultimate place to find a tango venue no matter what your style is. Commonly, a visitor’s first meeting with tango during their Argentina vacation will take place in La Boca, the city’s old port. This area oozes with the essence of tango from the music of the restaurants to the costumed dancers greeting guests on the street. There are often street performances where new fans can admire the impressive fervor of steps by professionals, and where experienced dancers can watch for new techniques.
Another popular place to get a feel for tango is in Boedo, one of Buenos Aires’ main historical spots in the city. As in La Boca, visitors and locals alike can discover more about the history of tango and how it came to exist in its present-day style. Many tango houses will be more than happy to help the inquiring traveler find what they are looking for no matter if you just want to watch or learn some skills of your own.
But if you’re seeking an even more authentic experience that your Argentina vacation packages might not include, visit a milonga. Milonga refers to a specific type of tango as well as a particular type of venue for demonstrating the dance. The venues are local gathering places that seem to change name and location without notice or advertising as often as a tango dancer’s feet move as if to keep their existence known to only those most passionate community members. The atmosphere in each milonga is different, but each undeniably exhibits the essence of tango as a casual but important social bonding activity. Milonga dance events can take place day or night (in fact, often late night until the sun rises!), in any neighborhood, and are incredibly colorful and dynamic places to get a true feel of the local tango flavor certain to be a highlight on your Argentina vacation.