Last night, Tats and I took advantage of the fact that we have a responsible adult visitor staying with us (ie FREE BABYSITTING!!!), and went out to finally check out some Tango!
If you aren't familiar with this bastion of Argentian culture, I strongly reccommend checking out this article before reading the rest of this blog post.
The milonga we were planning to attend was part of the Queer Tango Festival, which happened to be taking place in Buenos Aires this week.
The space in which the event was being held was remarkable -- I wished I had a decent camera to capture some of the finer details: The elaborate woodwork, the ancient metal elevator, the incredible stained glass ceiling...
The milonga was set to begin at 10 p.m. When we arrived at 10:20, people were just beginning to trickle into the hall, which featured a large dance floor surrounded by an abundance of small tables and a stage at one end. We found a table with a decent view of the dance floor, and settled in to see what would happen next.
If you aren't familiar with this bastion of Argentian culture, I strongly reccommend checking out this article before reading the rest of this blog post.
The milonga we were planning to attend was part of the Queer Tango Festival, which happened to be taking place in Buenos Aires this week.
The space in which the event was being held was remarkable -- I wished I had a decent camera to capture some of the finer details: The elaborate woodwork, the ancient metal elevator, the incredible stained glass ceiling...
The milonga was set to begin at 10 p.m. When we arrived at 10:20, people were just beginning to trickle into the hall, which featured a large dance floor surrounded by an abundance of small tables and a stage at one end. We found a table with a decent view of the dance floor, and settled in to see what would happen next.
Couples and larger groups of people began to arrive. Everyone seemed to know one another. After much cheek kissing and hugging, the dancing began. At first, there were only a few couples on the dance floor, but as the evening wore on, things became more and more congested, and it was intriguing to watch how people managed to navigate the crowded dance floor with their (mostly) graceful moves!
Although there were some straight couples in attendance, the vast majority of the dancers were same-sex couples. It was interesting to see how many couples "switched", i.e. took turns taking the lead while dancing together.
Although there were some straight couples in attendance, the vast majority of the dancers were same-sex couples. It was interesting to see how many couples "switched", i.e. took turns taking the lead while dancing together.
After every few tango pieces, there was always a "break" song played by the DJ, typically something from the 50s, or 80s, to give the dancers a chance to get a drink, use the washroom, socialize with friends, or find a new dance partner.
Around midnight, the "show" began, that is, a live tango singer came out to perform. There was also a performance by a male dance duet. They were very accomplished dancers, and a pleasure to watch! (click on the first photo below to get a self-directed slide show with larger images.)
Around midnight, the "show" began, that is, a live tango singer came out to perform. There was also a performance by a male dance duet. They were very accomplished dancers, and a pleasure to watch! (click on the first photo below to get a self-directed slide show with larger images.)
Once the male duet had finished dazzling the crowd, it was back to "free for all" for several sets.
Later in the evening (morning?), there was more live music, this time with a full tango band. By the time we finally hauled ourselved out of the milonga just before 2 a.m., the party was still going strong, as evidenced by the photo on the right, below!
Later in the evening (morning?), there was more live music, this time with a full tango band. By the time we finally hauled ourselved out of the milonga just before 2 a.m., the party was still going strong, as evidenced by the photo on the right, below!