Tango Mentor

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 basic techniques necessary for dancing. I began with the mindset of sending leads with my torso and hands, using “the frame” to guide, … [Read more...] about What Does ‘Connection’ in Tango Mean: From Practicality to Transcendence

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: 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 moves and for the audience. I strongly believe that stage tango doesn't belong in milongas, and those who attempt to perform within the ronda should be politely asked to leave. Any decent organizer should do that! On … [Read more...] about Dancing With the Devil: Should Milonguero be Performed?

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 it to him who asks, I do not know," and I think it perfectly matches what I'm talking about. "Ivica, it's simple: … [Read more...] about Defining Tango Milonguero Is Harder Than You Think

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 this day I strongly believe that good dancing starts in your head. As we all know, social tango luckily is not a standardized … [Read more...] about Myths about Tango Milonguero: Shedding Light on Common Misconceptions

Yes, milonguero! Just like those old milongueos from the Golden Age of tango... at least that's my goal. Since my early months, I've been focused on developing repertoire and musicality, back then known as "tango salon" or just simply "tango," but today referred to as "milonguero." Not only that, I try to dance in its simplest and purest form. If you see me on the dance floor doing more than three sequences, I'm often not quite happy with my dancing. I certainly know much more than that minimalist version I insist on, but I strongly believe that good dancing is not about what you're doing - good dancing is about doing it well... And the more things you do, the less focused you are on what … [Read more...] about Why I Dance Milonguero: 4 Reasons You Should Too!