Milonga
It doesn’t only take two to Tango – it’s about a whole group of people dancing together. Every Friday evening at our traditional and popular Tango Milonga in Zurich, we get to experience the feeling of community in a unique atmosphere. Dance along, watch, enjoy and let yourself be carried away by the spirit of our Milonga.
EVERY FRIDAY, 21:00 – 01.30h – no pre-booking necessary
Tango Milonga Zurich
The perfectly dimensioned dance floor, surrounded by tables and benches, guarantees an easy ‘Cabeceo’ (request). Traditional Tango music in Tandas (dance rounds) with Cortinas (non-danceable interludes). Popular DJs, many from abroad, some from Zurich.
Traditional ambience: There is a well-stocked bar with Argentinian wines, local Vivi Kola and Full Moon beer, fancy lemonades, signature drinks and sometimes even snacks. You are welcome – whether you want to dance or simply enjoy soaking up the extraordinary atmosphere.
| Entrance | CHF 15.- (except for special events) |
| Flatrate-Owner | inclusive (except for special events) |
What is a Milonga and how does a Milonga at La Pantera dance studio in Zurich work?
Do you have a lot of question marks in your head? You don’t know if our Milonga is right for you? Do you want to know what to wear to a Milonga or who is welcome? Are you wondering what a Milonga is?
Don’t worry – you’re not alone. We receive many of these questions every day and we want to clarify them directly so that you can finally feel at home with us.
What can I expect from a Milonga at La Pantera dance studio in Zurich?
How does a Tango Milonga take place at La Pantera in Zurich?
Address:
Räffelstrasse 11
8045 Zürich
From 9.00 pm on Fridays, our doors are open for another unforgettable dance evening, the so-called Milonga, at La Pantera in Zurich. You can enjoy a drink at the bar to get you started, say hello to friends or simply soak up the atmosphere.
Soon after, our carefully selected DJ starts playing music. The Milonga is open and the mystique of the evening awakens.
Our Milonga is classically traditional and full of respect. Every 3-4 Tangos are followed by the Cortina, an intermediate song. This is used to change dance partners. The invitation for the next Tanda (dance round with 3-4 tangos) is given by the so-called cabeceo. As a rule, the man seeks eye contact with the lady. If she nods or winks, it means that the next Tanda will be danced with this lady. If the woman does not want to accept the invitation to dance, the lady discreetly looks away. This saves the Tanguero from a disappointing rejection and allows him to save face.
After the Tanda, the magical game begins all over again: the Cortina starts, the ladies are led to their places, dance partners are changed. Shy, strong, gentle, smiling and penetrating glances are exchanged. New couples find their place in the large dance hall as if by magic and the next Tanda is danced. Thrilling, passionate, breathless and almost flying – simply tango.
Who can come to the Milonga Zurich at La Pantera?
Everyone is welcome at our Milonga.
You don’t have to be a member of our dance school to take part in this dance evening.
You are welcome to come and dance Tango as a matter of course. But the Milonga offers you more than ‘just’ a night of dancing.
A Milonga is diverse and unique in its ambience and atmosphere.
If you’re not in the mood to dance today, take a seat and treat yourself to a drink. Watch the captivating Tango dancers, observe the ritual process and the seemingly mysterious pattern of how two dancers find each other.
Absorb the mysticism of the evening and leave everyday life behind you.
What clothing is appropriate for a Tango Milonga today?
There is no official dress code. However, the Milonga is a dance event that, despite its openness and relaxed atmosphere, is also characterised by dignity, respect and attitude.
If we were to try to define a dress code, we would probably describe it as ‘smart casual’. For us, it is important that you feel comfortable in your outfit, that you can move well while dancing Tango and that your dance shoes are comfortable so that you don’t have to pack an extra pair of shoes for the way home.
Nevertheless, we are always asked what the right outfit is for this dance evening. For this reason, we would like to give you a few tips so that you can come without hesitation and feel comfortable.
Women’s clothing:
For women, the Milonga is often a chance to finally get dressed up. It is an opportunity to put on something special, pay special attention to your make-up and make a conscious decision to look beautiful and well-groomed on this evening. Many of our dancers enjoy precisely this moment to show off their unique individual beauty.
Men’s clothing:
The only no-go that probably exists with the undescribed Desscode: Shorts on men. The reason for this is very simple. Most women wear a skirt when dancing and feeling a man’s bare leg can make them feel uncomfortable. We want to avoid this.
Don’t have anything suitable to wear? You’ll find it in our shop.
Is the Tango Milonga taking place today?
The Tango Milonga at La Pantera takes place every Friday evening from 20.30 to 01.30h at Räffelstrasse 11 in Zurich. Pre-booking is not necessary. On our Contact page you will find all the important information about travelling by car, parking and public transport.
Can I come to a Milonga without a partner?
Of course you can also come to our Milonga without a dance partner. Our Milonga is traditional and is therefore a harmonious, considerate and charming interplay between the alternating dance partners.
During the Cortina (a non-danceable intermediate song), the invitation to dance is usually made via Cabeceo. The man usually asks the woman to dance via eye contact. If the woman wants to dance, she confirms the discreet and unobtrusive request by nodding her head or even with a wink. If the woman does not want to accept the request, she looks away. After the Cortina and the Cabeceo, the next Tanda (dance round) begins. This is followed by three to four songs during which our DJs play traditional Tango music. After the Tanda, the lady is led back to her seat and the game starts all over again.
So you can easily come to the Milonga on your own, be asked to join through the Cabeceo or take the initiative yourself. At the same time, it is also possible for you to sit back and enjoy watching the dancers on this dance evening, soaking up the atmosphere of the Milonga and experiencing an unforgettable evening with us.
What kind of music is played at the Milonga?
It is very important to us personally that we present you very good and popular DJs who play traditional Tango music in a modern way and are known for guaranteeing a good mood and a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere.
Our DJs often come from abroad, some from Zurich.
Tango Milonga Zurich – let yourself be inspired! Tango is more than just a dance for two..
Every Friday from 9.00 pm to 1.30 am with carefully selected DJs who revive traditional Tango music and create a good atmosphere in our special ambience.
No pre-booking necessary.
What exactly is a Milonga?
What does Milonga mean in German?
Milonga is an ambiguous term from Spanish and is used in various contexts. In relation to dance, Milonga can mean the following in German:
Dance style: Milonga refers to a rousing dance style within Argentine Tango that originated in the Rio de la Plata region in the 19th century. Milonga has a faster rhythm than Tango and less complex steps. It is a lively and playful dance style and is often referred to as the ‘cheerful sister’ of Tango.
Dance hall: The term Milonga also refers to events or dance halls where Tango music is played. Dancers have the opportunity to dance Tango, Milonga and occasionally also Vals. A Milonga as a dance venue offers a more informal (but still respectful and atmospheric) atmosphere compared to a traditional Tango ball.
Music: Finally, the term Milonga is also used in the context of Tango as a specific style of music. Milonga music has a fast, rhythmic character and is of course often played at Milonga dance events.
What is a Milonga (Tango dance evening)?
A Milonga (Tango dance evening) is a special dance event where Tango music, Vals and Milonga – the different styles of Tango music – are played for dancing.
Vals describes the Tango Waltz and is characterised by a three-four time signature. The Milonga itself is faster and livelier than the traditional Tango. Last but not least, the Argentinian Tango, which is known for its characteristic, emotionally deep 4/4 time signature, is of course a must at a Milonga.
The Milonga is characterised by its exceptionally relaxed and social atmosphere, which follows its very own rules.
The dancing couples dance together for a whole Tanda (a round of dancing), which consists of 3 to 4 danceable songs.
After a Tanda, the DJ plays the Cortina – a song, or part of a song (not a Tango), which is used to accompany the dance partner to her place. At the beginning of the next Tanda, the Cabeceo (nod) is used as an invitation to dance in a subtle and refined way. Potential dance partners signal to each other non-verbally and from a distance through eye contact whether they are ready for the next Tanda or not.
The dance floor – Pista – fills up again and the DJ is ready for the next Tanda. The Milongueros and Milongueras form a Ronda in the dance and move around the room in pairs in an anti-clockwise direction.
How do you dance Milonga today?
Nowadays, Milonga is danced in different ways. The dance style has evolved over time and can be interpreted in different ways. The Milonga is often described as livelier and more playful than traditional Tango.
The Milonga includes simple basic steps that are often faster than in Tango. The rhythm is lively and the music is often characterised by a cheerful character. Dancers use short steps, turns and improvisational movements.
Milonga encourages playful expression and improvisation. Dancers can experiment with rhythm variations and bring in their own style, which contributes to a relaxed and fun atmosphere without losing the respectful behaviour inherent in Tango.
What music is played at a Milonga (dance evening)?
The Milonga lives from the music and how it is interpreted.
At a Milonga, music is played in Tandas (series of 3 to 4 pieces). Musicalizadores – or Tango DJs – have mastered the art of making the music lively and entertaining, creating a great atmosphere and inspiring people to dance.
The best Musicalizadores are known worldwide. They know the music very well and put the Tandas together according to certain rules (same orchestra, ideally same year of recording).
Some orchestras are perfect for dancing. From the Epoca de Oro (1940-1959), the orchestras Juan d’Arienzo, Anibal Troilo, Angel d’Agostino and Carlos di Sarli are particularly popular.
Today, Romantica Milonguera, La Juan d’Arienzo, Solo Tango and La Santa Calavera are particularly successful. All of them have already played live at La Pantera.
Other orchestras are particularly suited to being heard or for shows and are better known outside the tango world – for example Astor Piazzolla.
Classics that are also particularly well known outside the Tango world are, for example:
‘La Cumparsita’ by Gerardo Matos Rodriguez
‘El Choclo’ by Angel Villoldo or
Por Una Cabeza by Carlos Gardel
What types of Tango events are there?
Milongas, in the evening or during the day (Matinée), with DJ or live music. They are organised by dance schools, clubs or private tango dancers.
Tango festivals: Weekend events (sometimes longer), with Milongas and classes.
Tango marathons: Weekend events, with several evening and daytime Milongas. Dancing lasts for hours over several days, which is also reflected in the choice of music (much ‘simpler’ music by Francisco Canaro, Edgardo Donato etc.).
Encuentro Milonguero: a kind of marathon with a special focus – always traditional music, close embrace.
Tango Practica: the opportunity to practise in a less formal setting. La Pantera offers a daily Practica with the Tango Lounge.
You can find a good overview of most tango events in Switzerland HERE.
How do I learn to dance Milonga?
To be able to move and dance safely and elegantly at a Milonga, you need one thing above all else in addition to a good basic structure: practice! Practice! Practice! All of this, of course, with lots of fun.
The Milonga itself is, of course, a good way to constantly improve. However, it should not be seen as a dance course, but really as a dance evening where you can enjoy what you have already learnt on the dance floor.
In a traditional Milonga you should master the Milonga rules. In the dance courses at La Pantera we not only teach steps and floor skills (the ability to move harmoniously in the ronda), but also the important Milonga rules.
Take a look at our current workshops & events. We regularly offer special courses to help you get started.
Private lessons with an experienced Tango dance teacher are also a particularly quick way to make progress.
What steps and figures are there in the Milonga?
In the Milonga, there are various steps and figures that dancers use to express themselves on the dance floor. The ability to move confidently and harmoniously in the ronda is called floor skill.
Steps and figures that are known by name include the following:
- The Basico is a basic step postulated for teaching in the 80s of the last century, which most schools do not teach as it is not really danced in this way.
- Corridas are fast steps or runs on the spot.
- Traspie refers to quick, small steps or a kind of ‘triple step’.
- Cortes are sudden stops in the movement.
- Quebradas refers to broken or interrupted movements.
- Giros are turns in which the couple turns together.
- Sacadas are movements in which one foot of the dancer takes the place of the other foot of the partner.
- Ochos are octagonal figures in which the dancer moves either forwards or backwards in a figure of eight. You won’t find sideways Ochos, which are never danced by experienced dancers, in our lessons either.
- Media luna refers to a crescent-shaped movement and is basically half a giro.
- Barridas are pivoting movements in which one foot of the dancer gently pushes the foot of the partner away.
This is just a small selection of the huge range of diverse movements that can be performed at a Milonga. Our Tango courses with our experienced dance teachers will help you to improve your dancing skills so that you can experience the joy of Tango at the Milongas.
What etiquette and rules apply at a Milonga?
Each Milonga may have its own local traditions. If you are going to a Milonga in a new place for the first time, it is best to find out in advance which specific rules apply in that place. Alternatively, take on the interesting role of an observer at first.
If you pay attention to the following points, you will have no problem feeling comfortable at most Milongas:
- Respect for the dance floor (pista):
Make sure that each couple has enough space to move freely. It is better to avoid jerky movements so that there are no collisions with other couples. Respect the Ronda – dancing anti-clockwise around the room. - Correct dance posture:
Maintain a close, respectful dancing posture, which is typical of Tango. Make sure you keep your balance and give your partner enough space. - Musicality:
Adapt your steps and movements to the music. Pay attention to the different rhythms and phrases in the music to adapt your dance movements accordingly. - Cabeceo:
The Cabeceo is a subtle way of looking for a dance partner. Instead of asking verbally, eye contact is made and head nods or eye movements are used to signal whether the other dance partner is interested. - Politeness:
Be polite and respectful to other dancers. Avoid negative comments or criticism. - Hygiene:
Pay attention to personal hygiene in order to enable your dance partner to dance comfortably. Wear appropriate dancewear. To avoid bad breath, refrain from eating certain foods such as garlic, onions (kebab), cheese and grilled meat. The use of deodorant is essential. If you sweat a lot, take a second item of clothing with you. - Breaks:
Leave the dance floor at the end of the tanda (when the interval music starts).
How do I find a Milonga dance partner?
You are welcome to come to the Milonga without a dance partner.
At our weekly dance evening on Fridays, the dancers change partners after the Cortina (intermission song) through the Cabeceo (invitation via eye contact).
There is also a protected member area for our members with an integrated dance partner exchange.
Furthermore, you will automatically meet new people in our dance courses and Tango workshops. Come along to a free Tango trial lesson.
ähnliche Themen
EVENTS
Workshops & Events
TANGO LOUNGE
Ongoing Practica
CONTACT
We look forward to seeing you.
