*The word Milonga has two meanings, often confusing for beginner dancers! 1) Milonga, is a gathering/ tango dance party: an event where people are dancing to recordings of tangos, vals or milonga (see second meaning). USE: I am going to the milonga tonight. 2) Milonga, also refers to the name of a dance form in the tango genre (tango, vals, and milonga) with an upbeat 2/4 rhythm, and classes are offered in Milonga. Historically the milonga dance form pre-dates tango, and has more Afro- Caribbean roots. USE: Let’s take that milonga class so we can dance the milonga set at next Saturday’s milonga.
Milonga Event Format: Tango is a traveling dance that moves counter clockwise along the line of dance. Ideally couples “navigate” respectfully on the dance floor, not passing one another or colliding or stalling the flow. Music is played by a DJ in tandas (sets) of 3-4 songs of one type (tango, vals or milonga). The end of the tanda (set) is marked by a cortina (curtain) – a short non-tango riff of 25-35 seconds. This is the time to escort one another off the dance floor and switch partners, if you like. When a couple choose to dance together, it is customary to dance out the full tanda, not rotating until the cortina. Should either person decide to end the partnership mid-tanda, it would be considered rude for him or her to then acquire a new partner for that same tanda. These are customs not rules. If you are planning to dance at milongas in Buenos Aires, additional codigos (codes) may apply, useful to know and readily available on the internet.
About Halifax Milongas
SUMMER Milonga Del Puerto Mid-June thru mid-September = look for tango on the Halifax waterfront. Foot of Morris at Lower Water St/across Cunard parking lot. Likely Saturday evenings. Weather permitting! Indoor venue: Tangonova Milongas are at 1313 Hollis St.
For current info, Check web calendar or tangonova or East Coast Tango Society FB page /or get on my email list.
Regular DJ = Leggy Peggy (mostly traditional tango recordings from the golden age of tango with a few contemporary sets. Requests honoured, when in keeping with group spirit. Occasional Guest DJs, local or out of town visitors.
