Tango in London – What, where, why?

I had my first experience with the tango earlier this year, in an atmospheric dance hall in Buenos Aires. Drunk on the sights and sounds of the capital, and a fair quantity of ‘fernet cola’, I tripped into a beginners’ class expecting to wow waiting crowds of tourists with my innate ability.

I was paired with Craig, a lanky 16 year old from San Franciso. He wasn’t exactly the partner I was envisaging, and as his clammy palm pawed my back, I realised this wasn’t going to be the dance I was expecting either. We staggered onto the floor to the opening strains of the bandoneón, I gingerly wrapped my arms around his back and we were off. He stamped on my foot, I head-butted his chin, he yanked at my arms and we got more and more flustered. Not in the good way.

There is nothing quite like the physical and emotional intimacy of the tango: Depending on who you ask the dance is an embrace, an extended sex act or metaphorical foreplay. I think Craig and I would have preferred to stop at a handshake (never overestimate the emotional range of the British).

Despite my intial ineptitude though, I ploughed onwards with the tango. I never nurtured a real skill for the dance but did start to really enjoy it and would love to pick it up again.

Not me or Craig, dancing the tango

Fortunately London seems packed out with places to dance, including both classes and milongas. While classes are led by teachers and involve learning steps, milongas are open dances which can be formal or informal. You don’t need a partner to dance in a milonga, just show up, and hope you don’t meet Craig…or me! Here’s a mini run down of places to get started:

Tanguito is based in Shoreditch and seems a great place to get started in the milonga scene. They’ve joined up with with Tango in the Light top host ‘milonguitos’ (milongas for beginners). The next one is on Friday 8th and promises to be a welcoming start for beginners of all dancing abilities

Carablanca is the oldest tango venue in London and according to Priscilla Pollara, writing for the Telegraph in August. it comes with all the elegance and tradition you’d expect. Their Christmas party this Friday on Conway Street promises free drinks and empanadas (you had me at free, Carablanca) and includes both a class and performance by some tango greats.

Tango Soul also looks good, claiming to be the only tango school in London taught by professional argentine choreographers. Their image gallery is certainly impressive and they hold classes three times a week followed by a free half hour practice.

Social enterprise, The Tango Club, offers an interesting range of classes and events and boasts a beautiful wooden floor to dance on. It’s based in the Leather Market in London Bridge and hosts a ‘Tango tea’ event every first Sunday of the month with traditional argentine cakes. It’s relaxed ‘Milonga8’ every Friday also looks like a fun and informal tango night out.

Hopefully this is a starting point for the tango fans, and hopefully I'll soon get a chance to go to one and give you a full review!

In the meantime, check out my friend Charlie's blog for someone with very recent tango experience!

Beso beso chao!