Some milongas in Buenos Aires

Viejo Correo must be the most friendly milonga anywhere.  It is the older generation enjoying a great social evening out and making us feel so welocome.  The men were almost queueing to dance with Liz, Regina and Ola and we had a wonderful evening.  No one trying to do extravagant steps, just making sure the follower enjoyed a great dance.

El Aranque is a very traditional and friendly milonga.  There are a lot of non-dancing tourists there but they filmed and clapped our dancing even when we told them we were not Argentinians.

Nino Bien is very smart with a young set as well as the more mature.  Everybody looking very sophisticated, well dressed with beautiful shoes.  Tables with tablecloths surround the floor and groups of friends sit and then dance together so it is not easy to break into that and get dances.  A couple of tables of suited men who I would not want to make eye contact with - the mafia?

La Viruta was the most dynamic place we visited - led by Horacio Godoy (google him to see how he dances). A mixture of all things Latin but specialising in tango with a remarkable set of teachers who performed while we were there (maybe every evening they will teach). Hundreds present from beginners to advanced, all taking lessons in one large hall - a bit chaotic but it is the scene for the young set.  Go on a Friday and be prepared to dance until 6am - then tell me about it! Encouraging that beginners look just the same in Argentina as in Nottingham!

Club Gricel provides a great milonga.  Distinctly smart but not in the Nino Bien league, but definitely worth a visit.

Salon Canning is one of the great places to visit.  It is what typifies tango in Argentina - very crowded but with impeccable lane discipline.  If you pick out some couples to watch, they come round time after time the same distance from the edge of the floor.  A lot of good dancers that perform moves to admire in very tight spaces.  Again very well dressed with groups of friends around tables.

Confiteria Ideal is our favourite! You can start dancing at 3pm and try another milonga after your steak dinner.  The setting is old Argentina with history in every part of the building.  Perfect setting for Tango Salon.  Lots of tourists there just to watch (and applaud!) but later into the evening it is more crowded and the dancing is more serious.  Very often they have live music and Ruben will sing.

I describe some other milongas that I visited last year - go to Archives and January and February 2011.