Since the 1980s, Berlin has developed a large, vibrant, and diverse tango scene. Tango can be danced at various venues every day of the week.
While traditional tango, characterised by tandas and cortinas, is popular among Berliners, many in the German capital also enjoy dancing tango steps to a wide range of other musical styles. As a result, the city boasts traditional milongas that feature tango tandas and cortinas, as well as more informal milongas that offer a mix of tango with different danceable music genres.
Milongas playing tandas of tango music and cortinas
At milongas that play traditional tango music, you will find familiar dancing rules and expected behaviours. Here, most dancers dance in close embrace. What may differ in Berlin is that leaders can ask followers for a dance by establishing eye contact (cabeceo) or simply making a verbal invitation. While the cabeceo is generally the preferred method, there is no obligation to use it, and a verbal invitation is perfectly acceptable in many situations. In Berlin, there are no fixed seats; dancers typically move around the venue to enhance their dancing opportunities.
Milongas playing tango and other styles of music
Milongas that feature a mix of tango and other musical styles may feel less familiar, as cortinas are not necessarily played, and tango music alternates with various other genres. These milongas tend to be less formal and are a great opportunity for improvising dance steps to non-tango music. The open embrace is quite common in these settings. As with traditional milongas, inviting a partner to dance follows the same guidelines. In the absence of cortinas, you are free to dance for as long as you wish with your partner; however, it is common practice in Berlin to dance for three to four songs. Informing your partner that you will stop dancing after the next song is a considerate way to manage the absence of cortinas.
Floor craft
It is important to be cautious on the dance floor, as many locals may be unaware of floor craft, the art of navigating the dance floor. This is particularly true at milongas that feature both tango music and other music genres.
To find a regular weekly milonga, click here or check what milongas are happening today. For further information about special tango events, tango shows, tango shoe shops etc., visit the Tango Society website.