Time to Tango

Tango is the dance of Buenos Aires and quite possibly the city’s greatest contribution to the outside world.  Intimate and seductive, this partner dance originated in the lower class areas of the city during the 18th century and has shaped Argentinean culture and society.  As a dancer, I knew I couldn’t come to BA and not have an authentic tango experience, but this steamy strut is a complicated one to master.  To have an understanding of the basics, I took a handful of lessons prior to arriving in Argentina and booked a local taxi dancer to accompany me to one of BA’s famous milongas.

I was nervous and not sure what to expect as I arrived at my instructor’s apartment in the heart of San Telmo.  Anna of Tango Taxi Dancers led my hour and a half private lesson correcting my steps as Martin and I tangoed around her living room.  I’m not sure I’m ready to get out on the dance floor quite yet, but sometimes we have to push ourselves outside our comfort zone to have the authentic experience we’re looking for… so #YOLO!

I met Martin at 11pm outside Salon Canning, one of Buenos Aires’ most famous milongas and I was terrified to walk in and see the dance floor spotlit in the middle of the room surrounded by tables.  I’m usually pretty confident, especially when it comes to cutting a rug, but right now I’m feeling very anxious.  Will everyone be watching my terrible attempt at tango? 

Martin didn’t waste any time getting me out on the dance floor and each time we got up to tango, I felt more confident thanks to his patience and encouragement.  I’m still no pro, but by the end of the night, I was able to get lost in the music and enjoy the rhythm of the dance as we moved around the packed dance floor.  I’m really glad I made myself do this and for the opportunity to understand the tango culture of BA on a deeper level.