Why do some people think that milonguero is mostly danced by the elderly? You might assume it’s because the average age at encuentros is slightly higher, but I believe it’s because it takes experience and maturity to be comfortable in an intimate embrace. And it has nothing to do with the age. People dance as they are, but at the same time, by dancing, they can become their better selves. Tango is not just a dance; like any social activity, it often has deeper meaning that goes beyond just the form. It’s a mirror that reflects who we are. It…

No matter your flavor of tango, I am sure we will agree that the connection is very very important. For me, it’s such a crucial aspect that I find myself discussing it in nearly every article. However, it’s important to clarify what I mean by “connection,” especially considering that different people have different idea about what it means. Countless discussions have left me realizing that often we agree on the essence, but our differing definitions cause misunderstandings. When I started learning tango, connection was presented to me as one of the foundational techniques necessary for dancing. I began with the…

Before I answer the question of whether tango milonguero belongs on stage, you should understand exactly what I mean when I refer to stage and milonguero. Those of you who have read my article on “Why I Dance Milonguero” already know that I agree with dancers who believe there are only two styles of tango: Social tango, also known as tango salon or milonguero. Stage tango or escenario, which includes nuevo. The difference, as I see it, lies in the intention: social tango is when dancers focus on their partners, while stage tango is when performers dance for the fancy…

Is there a clear definition of what tango milonguero is? And, if there is, can that explain what makes it different from other ways of dancing tango? When I published my article about why I dance milonguero, it became quite obvious that the idea of “tango milonguero” means different things to different people. I was aware from my previous interactions with fellow milongueros that it’s like a cloud of shapeless meaning without clear boundaries. In his reflections about the nature of time, St. Augustine said, “If no one asks me, I know what it is. If I wish to explain…

People have misconceptions about tango milonguero not because they don’t know how to dance milonguero, but because they don’t learn about its background, the culture, the history… or, they just don’t care. It’s their choice, but I think they miss a great opportunity because knowing helps you do it better. To be honest, I have no idea how people get their ideas about what tango milonguero is and what it is not. I just know that I did it by reading and watching, mostly because I tried to understand the mindset of milongueros from the Golden Age – because to…