07/08/2013
Status Update
By Henderson Jerry
The Milongas in Buenos Aires are very elegant and sophisticated. The Codigos have evolved over decades. They are observed for very good reason: for a more enjoyable and civilized experience for every one.
This is the most comprehensive list I have encountered , Courtesy of Tango Taxi Dancers B.A, another is from Salon Canning, I will share later.
(Courtesy of Tango Taxi Dancers B.A.)
The Codigos of the Milonga Dance Floor
There seem to be more and more bruises incurred, tights laddered, and stressed dancers at milongas. Please remember that the original purpose of the milonga códigos was to civilize the dance floor. It may help you enjoy a Buenos Aires style milonga if you understand and follow these códigos.
♦ The invitation to dance is by cabeceo, catching the eye of a potential partner. The man nods his head to say that he wishes to dance; the lady agrees by nodding back.
If you do not want to dance with someone, do not look directly at them.
♦ If you do want to dance with someone, but they won’t look at you, respect their decision not to dance with you. Do not approach them verbally and do not stare at them. The best way to get their attention is by dancing well with somebody else, then try to cabeceo them later.
♦ If someone is clearly busy (e.g. eating), she is not available to dance. Wait until she is finished before you try to cabeceo her.
♦ A lady sitting alone or with other ladies, looking out at the start of a tanda, is
available to dance. A lady sitting with a gentleman is not available to dance unless
her partner gets up and leaves her alone.
♦ Once you have contracted a partner by cabeceo, the lady stays in her seat and waits for the man to approach her table. When he arrives, confirming the
arrangement, she gets up and joins him on the dance floor. The tunes are arranged in sets of three or four, called tandas. These are generally themed by orchestra or epoch. When you agree to dance with someone, it is only for the current tanda. At the end of each tanda, there is some non-tango music called the cortina, when everyone returns to their seat to be available to dance with a new partner.
♦ It is very rude to leave your partner in the middle of a tanda. This should only be done in extreme circumstances, for example, if a person is hurting you or being offensive. Beginners may find it useful to wait until a tune has passed in the tanda before contracting a dance. This makes it easier for both dancers. Experienced dancers should be generous with their expertise, but it is kinder to limit it to half a tanda.
♦ When walking onto the dance floor, take care not to step in front of those already dancing.
♦ Follow the line of dance, which is counter-clockwise.
♦ Keep to your lane, no zig-zagging, no racing against other couples. Enjoy the space you have, rather than coveting your neighbors.
♦ Do not overtake the couple dancing in front of you. They are playing with the space available to them and have every right to dance slowly.
♦ If you bump into someone, just apologize to the other couple and to your partne rand move on. Bear in mind, if you keep crashing, it may well be because of your behavior rather than someone else’s! Sit out a couple of tandas and observe the flow.
♦ Remember this is Salon Tango, not a show. Dance safely within the space available; no high kicks, no jumps, no big sweeps, and only modest adornments.
♦ Do not talk while dancing, save your conversation for the space at the beginning of each tune and the cortina.
♦ At the end of the tanda, the gentleman accompanies the lady back to her table and thanks her for the dance. Old milongueros try to end the tanda where they began, to save the lady from having to walk across the dance floor, although this is not always possible.
♦ The embrace ends when the music stops. The gentleman should let go of hi spartner and not continue touching her between tangos or during the cortina. Neither should he hold her hand walking back to her seat as this gives a signal to other men
that there is some sort of relationship.
♦ If you agree to dance more than three tandas with someone, you should know that it implies that you are interested in them beyond the milonga. There is nothing
wrong with that, but don’t be surprised or offended if you receive a proposition. If you are not so inclined, simply stop at three tandas.
♦ Remember, people live how they dance and dance how they live. An aggressive, elfish or inconsiderate person may bring those qualities to the dance floor. By the same token, a kind, generous and patient person will make a better partner, even with little experience. It is better to say “no” than to accept and suffer a partner who has no respect for the rules, other dancers or indeed the tango as a social
dance. A better milonga for everyone!
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