Códigos

Our event celebrates the tradition of close embrace tango, inspired by the atmosphere of Buenos Aires milongas. While we won't insist you sip mate or speak lunfardo, we honor the rich heritage and codes of social tango to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.

Cabeceo & Invitations

Cabeceo is at the heart of traditional tango etiquette, ensuring mutual consent and avoiding awkwardness.

• To invite someone to dance, use your mirada (gaze) to make eye contact, then nod. A nod in return signals acceptance.
• If the invitation is declined, the person will look away. Respect this gesture without further insistence.
• Followers, wait for your leader to approach and confirm the invitation.
• Leaders, avoid cutting across the dance floor and walk around the outside to reach your partner.
• Invitations work best once the musical style of that tanda is known.

Cabeceo maintains the grace and flow of the milonga. Let's honor it together.

Navigation & Floor Craft

The dance floor is a shared space, and harmonious navigation is key to an enjoyable ronda (line of dance). Please follow these principles.

• Entering the floor: Leaders, make eye contact with the leader already in the ronda before entering. If you cannot make eye contact with a lead already on the floor you may not wish to dance next to them. Followers, trust your leader to guide you safely onto the floor.
• Once on the floor: Though it's important to begin the dance by taking a moment to connect with your partner and the music, avoid extended delays. Be considerate of others trying to join the ronda.
• Flow: Dance with the pace of the ronda. Avoid tailgating or leaving large gaps in front of you.
• Lanes: Multiple lanes may form on crowded floors. Avoid weaving or backing up against the ronda. Choose your lane and stay in it; passing is reserved for rare situations and should be done cautiously.
• Stopping: Extended pauses disrupt the flow and frustrate those behind you. If you must pause, keep it brief.

Respectful navigation keeps everyone safe and focused on the music and their partner.

On the Dance Floor

To preserve the magic of the dance, observe these courtesies:

• Talking is for before or between songs, not during the dance. Respect your partner and let the music guide your connection.
• Refrain from giving unsolicited dance advice at a milonga. Comments on technique belong at class or a practica, not at the milongas.
• Clear the floor during the cortina. Enter only once the next tanda begins.
• If a collision occurs, acknowledge it politely, even if it wasn't your fault. If necessary, apologize at the end of the song.
• High boleos, ganchos, and other expansive movements are for performances, not the social dance floor.

Milongas are about creating a safe, elegant, and respectful environment for all.

General Tips

Some practical reminders:

• Hygiene: Arrive clean and refreshed, with fresh clothes, and bring a hand-towel and change of shirt if needed. Use fragrance very sparingly and consider natural alternatives. Occasional hand-washing is considerate.
• Attire: Choose clothing that is comfortable and considerate for close embrace. Avoid scratchy, rough fabrics, accessories with sharp edges, or heavy perfumes that may irritate your partner.
• Respect the space: Keep chairs and belongings clear of the dance floor and pathways. Avoid blocking others' sightlines for the cabeceo.

Let's work together to maintain the spirit of the milonga and ensure an enjoyable event for all.

Tango Etiquette for the Milonga (LA Tango Academy)