Buenos Aires Travel Forum

I want to experiece tango while in Buenos Aires, next weekend. I am interested in a lounge or cozy local setting, as opposed to a big theater. Do you have any recommendations?

I read about Cafe Tortoni on VT, but will take other suggestions.

Thanks!

I just returned from BA and went to La Ventana. It's not the cozy place, but initially someone had recommended Esquina Carlos Gardel, and it just looked too huge and plastic to enjoy. I liked La Ventana, and they even come and pick you up. I did not have dinner, as usually it becomes a pain to finish your dinner while watching the show - they served some wine, and that was great.

Here's some tango I ran into because it was the anniversary of the peace monument between Chile and Argentina - I loved their dancing, excuse the wind.
http://forum.virtualtourist.com/discussion-466339-1-1-Miscellaneous-0-0-World-discussion.html

The milongas are probably your best bet,

* Las Glorietas, an outdoor milonga held on Saturday afternoons in a gazebo in a park in Belgrano, totally charmed me. It attracted lots of onlookers, and people were even taking pictures, which is usually a no-no at milongas. Nobody seemed to mind. I have heard there are lessons but don't know when they start. The link I posted says it takes place (and offers lessons) Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but check when you get there; I thought it was only Saturday afternoons, but I could be wrong.

* La Catedral is an interesting experience. If you plan to dance, do not wear your new shoes -- the wooden floor is pretty torn up. The venue is unique, to say the least. When I went, there weren't many people dancing, but lots watching (it was Halloween and there were a few performances, so that may have had something to do with it). I believe it's open every night but can't confirm that -- call to check. It's at Sarmiento 4006 in Almagro. Phone: 4342 4794

* Confiteria La Ideal is by far the best venue I saw for people who just want to watch (or even take beginner lessons). It helps that the building in which it's held is gorgeous and dripping with history. They often have live music, and I believe most of the instructors speak English. This not my favorite milonga for dancing, but I would not hesitate to recommend it as the genuine article to someone who would like to see real tango in action.

Have fun! (sorry forgot that the links do not work on VT)

suerte
SAM

Interesting Sam ... so these milongas are like half dance school, half show/night club?

I so loved BA, actually all of Argentina, I must return. On my flight back I met a lady who comes to BA every year to dance, and I must say I'm very tempted, but have a few places on my list to do before I return. I do suspect I'll be going to Jujuy, Salta, Cordoba - omg, there's so much to see! I did not even go to Calafate ... oh, well, interested about these milongas. Also, know anything about these people who come to dance? Are these schools?

It is a rather large and very diverse country and the more I have traveled within the country only makes me realize all that I have yet to I see :) It is the 8th largest country in land mass in the world, so pretty darn big.

As for the milongas yes, at times they are a combination of school and performing. The classes are usually given earlier in the evenings and then the real dancers take over later and what a show they can put on. For me this is the real heart of tango. Not some Broadwayized extravaganza :) though some of the tourist shows are pretty darn good, but not pure tango.

Here are links that you will need to cut and paste into your browser...

http://www.glorietadebelgrano.com.ar/glorieta/set.html

and this is a fairly current list of all the milongas in the city

http://www.buenosairesmilongas.com/

suerte
SAM

I second the Catedral.

Its been some time since I was there the last time. But I have never seen anything like it! You may want to combine it with a more tradditonal venue thoug.

Thank you so much. This is the inofo I was looking for and the links are a plus. I can't wait!

Many thanks, from New York City