Milonga Etiquette for Social Tango Dancing

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Following these guidelines will lead to a more enjoyable social tango dancing experience.

Safety First

- Safe driving: respect line of dance, stay in lane, keep traffic flowing, visibility, blind spots, no backwards steps, pass carefully, avoid obstructions, no drinking & driving

- Avoid injury to self & others, in case of accident driver apologizes

Manners

- Asking & accepting: no obligation nor duty, ‘cabeceo’ eye contact first then smile & nod, no stalking, no cutting in, “NO” means “NO”

- At a Milonga: NO teaching, no critiquing

- Embrace is comfortable & gentle, close embrace is by mutual consent, no squeezing, no head pushing

- During dancing: NO talking, no singing, no loud chewing, no apologizing, no interrupting

- “Thank you” means we’re done!

Comfort

- Hygene: shower, clean clothes, anti-perspirant, dry change of clothes, fragrance used sparingly, breath mints or gum, clean hands, colds & flu bugs stay home!

- Closeness: shave to remove stubble, control your hair, glasses off

- Separation of tango from work & life

Milonga Format

- Tandas music sets by same orchestra or style played at Milongas 4 tangos, 3-4 valses, 3 milongas in cycles of 2 tangos, vals, 2 tangos, milonga

Cortinas short breaks between tandas, usually change partners during cortinas

Dance Flow in Tango

To increase your enjoyment, help you concentrate on the music and your partner, and avoid accidents, please follow these guidelines:

· Follow LINE OF DANCE counter-clockwise

· Enter dance floor when there is space

· Make sure you are seen by advancing couple before entering dance floor

· Make space for other couples

· Continue dancing in one lane