Dance codes and tips
to dance comfortably in the milongas
The dance codes in the milongas of Buenos Aires are unwritten rules that guide behaviour and interaction in the milonga. The dance codes are more or less flexible, depending on the milonga you go to. When you arrive at the milonga look carefully to see which codes are being used.
El cabeceo
In almost every place you will find this way of asking to dance. Try first to make eye contact with the person you want to ask. If they reciprocate your gaze, you can make a small gesture with your head to make them understand that you would like to dance. Avoid approaching the table and asking directly - it is a commitment and awkward for both of you. If he/she accepts, approach the table and enter the dance floor through a corner if possible.
La ronda
All pairs move from right to left, keep moving forward and avoid going in the opposite direction. We also recommend that you maintain a 'traffic lane'. It would be similar to a street where a double yellow line is painted. It is not allowed to pass other couples. This way you will avoid colliding with other couples and if it happens don't forget to apologise. The good atmosphere in the milonga is built by all of us.
Las tandas
A tanda is composed of 4 tangos, in the case of waltz and milonga it would be 3. Each tanda is separated by a 'cortina' which is a song of another musical genre. As a courtesy, you are invited to dance at the beginning of the tanda or in the second song, to do so later may be considered as an impolite gesture. You dance the whole tanda unless you have a particular situation that makes you uncomfortable.