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Do I need a partner?
What class is right for me?
What should I wear?
What does it cost?
What is a Milonga or a Practica?
Tango etiquette and suggestions for a successful experience

1) Do I need a partner?
No, you don’t need a partner! Tango classes are a wonderful way to meet people and make friends.

2) What class is right for me?
If you have never danced Tango before you should start with the Monday or Friday group classes (no partner necessary). You can start at any time, there are no restrictions.  Buying the starter package and taking the included private lesson in advance will help you to enjoy the process.

3) What should I wear?
Whatever makes you feel comfortable and elegant, very tight skirts for women might be too restrictive.  For men, jeans or slacks are fine.

About shoes: Women: Make sure that you are very comfortable in the shoes you are wearing, but please do not wear flip flops or any kind of sandals that have an unsupported ankle. Men: Any comfortable non-marking sole that allows you to pivot and slide on the dance floor.

Note on shoes: Good dance shoes have leather, suede soles or some kind of surface that allows you to pivot and to slide on the floor. Makela Tango can get excellent Tango shoes for men and women at a discount upon request, so please feel free to inquire at your lesson!

Note on hair styles: Remember you will be dancing very close to each other, so big hair dos can be a little uncomfortable and distracting!  

4) What does it cost?
Please click here for our current Group Tango class and Private lesson pricing.

5) What is a Milonga or a Practica?
A ‘milonga’  is a social event where people go to dance Tango socially.

You can go stag or with a group, it’s fun to promise each other to dance a number of ‘tandas’ so you know you will dance at least a little with your friends.

A Tanda is a group of 3-4 Tangos/milongas/waltzes generally interpreted by the same orchestra. It is good etiquette to dance an entire tanda with the same person. You know that a tanda is over, because there is a “CORTINA” in between. A ‘Cortina” is a short song (30 seconds maximum, no dancing) which is not Tango, and in general sounds very different: that means it’s time to switch partners!  

The difference between a ‘milonga’ and a ‘practica” is the degree of formality. In a milonga, people follow the above rules very closely, and in general they are dressed more formally. In a practica, everything is more informal. There can be instruction or critique involved (but not in the format of a class) and people can stop to try out different new moves.

How to ask a woman to dance: it varies according to the location. In Buenos Aires tradition it is rude to go to the table and ask someone to dance directly. You ask from the distance with a CABECEO (a small head movement from the man at a distance). In the US it varies greatly from event to event. If you’re new to a particular event, check the people and observe how other men are doing it.  Note from Makela: Personally, I don’t like when men ask me to dance by holding my hand. Remember leaders: when you finish dancing, accompany your partner until you completely exit the dance floor. You do not need to touch her, but walking with her shows good manners and respect.  Also, please remember the cultural traditions of Tango and Cabeceo are just that, traditions!  There are no political implications.

6) (Important!) Tango etiquette and suggestions for a successful experience
Etiquette: