I went to Nuevo Salon La Argentina for the matinee milonga. There were 300 people and most of them were very good dancers. I noticed only one pair of tourists who were easy to identify by their dancing (they danced salon style and did paradas) and he was wearing a tee shirt--the majority of men were wearing suits or jackets. One local couple did their thing (which could be described as show tango) and took up lots of space. I danced with several excellent partners I know. Collisions were few because of the level of dancing. The music by Mario Orlando (an experienced DJ of 25 years) was tango with only one tanda of jazz in two and a half hours. This milonga is hosted by Enrique, Ruben and Juan Carlos. I give it 5 stars.
There are classes held before most milongas which is the most economical way to study here. Many teachers never go to the milongas, and they teach steps that cannot be done in the milongas. When people ask me to recommend a teacher, I usually don't and advise them to go to the milongas to dance and watch other dancers. I want to give you information about two men who dance regularly in the milongas, but whose names you will not find among the teacher ads of B.A. Tango or El Tangauta. They teach because they love tango. Pedro Sanchez is my favorite partner for milonga traspie. I met Pedro three years ago in Gricel, and he always has a smile on his face. He organized classes a couple months ago. I am amazed at how he can dance backwards down the line of dance in a crowded milonga and never bump into anyone! I think he has eyes on the back of his head or he uses a rearview mirror. Pedro shares his many years of experience in the milongas in a Monday and Friday class in Club Gon, located at Avenida Pavon 3908 from 7:30-10:00pm. Call 4921-2364 at the Club. Ariel Romero is the vals wizard. His turns are incredible to experience. You'll find him at the milongas just about every day of the week. He knows tango like the back of his hand. Ariel assists in group classes at a studio, but if you want individual attention, he gives privates at studio near Ayacucho and Viamonte for a price you can afford. He doesn't speak English, but he'll communicate what he wants you to do without words. I'll put you in touch with him to arrange privates. Then he'll accompany you to the milonga so you can practice what you worked on in the lesson. My email inbox is always full of requests for information, i.e., what teachers do I recommend? what are the best milongas for the over 50 crowd? where can I dance to live music? what kind of shoes should I wear in the milongas? where can I buy compact discs? do you know of an apartment I can rent? can you recommend a hotel close to the milongas? what is going on the week of my visit? etc, etc, etc. I will answer once very briefly, but if you want me to find an apartment or want a list of milongas, etc. I need to charge you. There are two small apartments in my neighborhood available for rent after August 10 for one or two people. They are located on Estados Unidos near Entre Rios near several milongas and bus routes. Month or long-term rentals are preferred, but you can inquire about shorter rentals. Please write me only if you have definite dates for your stay and are ready to send a deposit by wire. Janis Kenyon Buenos Aires
