Useful words and ideas in Argentine Tango
Milonga (event or place):
A social dance (party) where people dance to tango music. Typical milongas will have a dance floor (area) surrounded by tables and chairs.
Milonguero/Milonguera:
Someone that dances a traditional, close-embrace style tango. A term of respect.
Tanguero/Tanguera:
Anyone who dances tango.
Milonga (music) :
Type of argentine tango music played at milonga, usually faster and more upbeat them other two types of music: Valses and Tangos. Milonga music is also distinctive because of the syncopated rhythm.
Vals (music):
A type of tango music with a distinctive rhythm. Vals is always 3:4 time, the same as a European “Waltz.” (ONE-two-three-ONE-two-three.)
Tango (music):
The traditional music of Argentina, this music was born in the early 1900s, and later made popular by the great Carlos Gardel.
Tanda:
A set of three to four tango songs of the common type (Tango, Vals, Milonga) played at Milonga. These songs are traditionally all from the same orchestra. Partners are expected to dance together during an entire tanda, and not just one song, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Cortina:
A short piece of non tango music that is played between tandas. This indicates that a new tanda is coming up, and people may change partners if they like.
Cabeceo:
In the milongas of Buenos Aires, one makes eye contact with a potential partner in order to ask for a dance. If both parties wish to dance with each other, they both nod, and the leader walks to the follower. The follower only stands once the arm is presented to dance. This elegant way of requesting dances eliminates the necessity of having to turn anyone down. While not used much in small communities in the states, cabaceos are widely used (and expected) at festivals.
“Thank you”:
In the traditional tango code, if someone says thank you, that means they are ready to move on to their next partner.
Floor Navigation:
Tango is always danced strictly counterclockwise, and always in lanes.
If you have any terms to add or questions to ask, do so in the comments below.