Milonga Versus Practica
Argentine tango is undeniably one of the world’s most popular social dances. The dance never fails to mesmerize audiences and often sparks a desire to learn it.
And when it comes to tangueros and tangueras, the Argentine tango is that one dance that they just can’t get enough of. Cat-like movements, quick footwork, and sensual embrace — what’s not to love?
The dance is one of a kind, so much so that anyone who’s ever tried it will testify that it’s unlike any other.
For beginners of the Argentine tango, it may be confusing to try and figure out everything that the dance entails. Apart from the basic steps, music, and codes, there’s also the question of terms, including Milonga and Practica.
Milongas and practicas are both social gatherings where people come to dance the tango, but they differ in many ways.
Where do beginners fit in, and how do they choose which environment is right for them?
Milonga vs Practica: What Exactly Is the Difference?
A milonga is an Argentine tango social dance where people can come solo or in pairs. A practica is basically the same, but it’s more focused on learning Argentine tango.
The main difference between the two is that a milonga is for social dancing while a practica is for practicing. These indicate that it’s best for beginners to go to a practica first to learn the dance. Once they are more confident with their moves, they can join a milonga to socialize.
There’s no rule in Argentine tango that explicitly tells beginners to start with practica and only move to milonga once they’re ready. However, it’s generally accepted that this is the best way to learn the dance
Milongas can be quite overwhelming for beginners because they are social dances.
Beginners in a milonga can learn by observing others. It’s not impossible to feel the urge to go to a practica, too, after getting inspired by the dancers in a milonga.
Generally, milongas work best with tangueros and tangueras who have already immersed themselves in the culture and deeply understand Argentine tango etiquette. For those just starting out, a practica is the way to go.
There was a clear distinction between milongas and practicas during the Golden Age. The two are excellent tools for learning Buenos Aires’ cultural tradition and evolution in social dance venues. Let’s take a more in-depth look at the two social gatherings.
Milonga at Ultimate Tango
Milonga, the Argentine Tango Social Dance
During the Golden Age, men danced with women at milongas. Tangueros and tangueras followed tango codes or códigos, including standard attire, cabeceo, leading and following, and the ronda. At larger milongas, live orchestras commonly played the music.
According to Tango Voice, there were two types of milonga: Milonga del Barrio and Milonga del Centro.
In a Milonga del Barrio, dancers were from the same neighborhood.
Some people came in pairs or with their families, and everyone knew each other.
On the other hand, the Milonga del Centro was a place to meet new people.
Held downtown, men and women would attend without partners and dance with new people they met.
During the revival of tango in the 1980s, milongas went through changes. Though some characteristics remained, others, such as the music and standard attire, shifted. Live music became less common, and people were allowed to wear more casual dancing attire. Milongas also became a place for dancers older than 40.
The tango codes remained, which are still observed in milongas today. Men still used the cabeceo to invite women to dance, and everyone still used the ronda. Milongas were made festive with classic 30s, 40s, and 50s tango music.
During the late 1990s and 2000s, milongas went through even more changes. As said by Tango Voice,
“Milongas in which Traditional Milonga customs were observed were still in the majority, but greater diversification of the characteristics of milongas and practicas occurred. This was accompanied by and to some degree influenced by the rise of Tango Tourism.”
History shows how the milonga has always been known as the Argentine tango social dance. It has always been a social gathering where people come together to dance the night away.
Milongas have changed over time but maintain many of the same traditions.
Tango Codes
One distinct feature of a milonga is the adherence to tango codes.
These are a set of guidelines that dictate how people should behave while at a milonga. Their primary purpose is to keep the milonga organized, respectful, and fun for everyone.
The cabeceo is the only proper way to invite someone to dance. It’s when a man uses eye contact to signal his interest in dancing with a particular woman.
When the woman nods, he will approach her, take her hand, and lead her to the dance floor. However, if the woman looks away when the man offers the cabeceo, it means she’s not interested in dancing with him.
Life Is a Tango described the cabeceo as:
“I think the cabeceo is wonderful and has many advantages, as well as a couple of drawbacks.
In terms of advantages for leaders, there is none of that embarrassment of crossing the room to be rejected for all to see.
For followers, avoiding eye contact is an easy way to say no without having to actually say no … or make up excuses… I believe the technique also empowers women.”
There’s always the leader and the follower in tango, whether in a milonga or practica.
However, in milongas, the leaders are usually men, and the followers are women. Both must respect other dancers on the dancefloor, with the leaders having the responsibility to keep their followers safe.
As they dance, they must follow the ronda, the counterclockwise flow around the dancefloor.
The ronda guides the dancers and helps them avoid collisions.
There are also codes for entering or leaving the dancefloor. The leader must always make eye contact with the leader already on the dancefloor, signaling that they want to enter. The same goes for leaving the dance floor.
Milonga etiquette is a whole other world that tango dancers must explore. Whoever sets foot in a milonga should be ready to live the culture and its rules.
Practica, the Place To Practice Tango
Like milongas, practicas also have an interesting history.
During the Golden Age, practicas were only for men. Those who had tango experience were the leaders, and beginners were followers.
Men had to learn as followers first before they could become leaders. Practicas during this age had no structured group lessons.
In the mid-1980s, practicas became an environment for men and women, and the all-male practicas slowly retreated. From having no structured group lesson to being led by an instructor, practicas have changed a lot since their early days.
Practicas used to be a dancer’s first tango experience. However, when people started to organize group classes, practicas became the place to practice what the dancers learned.
Practicas, unlike milongas, don’t have strict codes that dancers must follow. The atmosphere is more relaxed, and dancers can take the time to try out different moves without worrying about following any flow. Practicas are basically social gatherings without much pressure on the dancers.
A Beginner’s First Step
Practicas can be a haven for beginners. As said by Argentine Tango Lab, a practica is more relaxed than a milonga.
Attendees are allowed to wear comfortable clothes so they can move around easily. Talking is also acceptable, so beginners can dance, learn, and work on steps or figures together. As said by Life Is a Tango,
“Prácticas are wonderful, and seriously under-appreciated. Many dancers stop attending prácticas once they feel ready to dance in the milongas, but this is a mistake. Just as no one is ever above taking classes, no one is ever too advanced to practice.”
Tango dancers can see practicas as an ideal place to get to know Argentine tango. While there’s nothing wrong with etiquette, a more relaxed environment can help beginners learn the ropes of Argentine tango dancing. Practicas nurture a love for tango, a desire to improve one’s skills, and every beginner’s first step.
Milonga versus Practica: Two Cultures for One Dance
Milonga is a social dance, and practica is for those who practice tango social.
The two couldn’t be more different, and that’s what makes them both essential in the world of Argentine tango. What are the significant differences between the two?
Formality
Credits to the rightful owner of the photo.
Milongas are much more formal than practicas. Dancers must follow specific etiquette while on the dance floor. Milongas are also more fast-paced, and dancers must be able to keep up with the flow.
Milongas also have a strict dress code.
Milongas also have a strict dress code. According to Argentine Tango Lab,
“Many women wear dresses that hug their curves but stretch and flow near their legs. Skirts with slits allow you to move and are sexy. Make sure you can take large steps without hindrance. Depending on the milonga, men may either wear a suit and tie or dress slacks and a collared shirt. Nice jeans with a dress shirt are also acceptable.”
Practicas, on the other hand, are more laid-back.
Dancers can do as much talking as dancing and take their time to practice different moves. When it comes to what to wear, Argentine Tango Lab said,
“Wear comfortable clothes that let you move. Flowing skirts, Capri pants are a good option for women. For men, jeans are fine or pants that are loose and allow movement. Please, no shorts.”
Etiquette
In a practica, it’s good to know the rules, but they’re there for dancers to break.
Dancers can verbally ask for a dance, and it’s okay to stop in the middle of the dancefloor to chat. They can correct each other, and they can practice different moves.
If there’s one word perfectly representing a practica, it’s “freedom.”
Practicas give people the freedom to explore Argentine tango and grow as dancers of their own.
Milongas, however, are a different story.
Milongas have an elaborate set of rules that dancers must follow. They have long lists of do’s and don’ts, which can confuse beginners.
Those who have mastered the art of Argentine tango can find Milongas exhilarating.
And if practica is “freedom,” milonga is “flow.” A milonga is where the Argentine tango flows.
The music guides the dancers’ movements, making them move on the dancefloor as though they’re one.
Music
Tango DJing also plays a significant role in differentiating milongas and practicas. DJs can base their playlists on the intent and community. According to Tango Voyage,
“The community dictates what is acceptable in Practicas and Milongas, and is usually best to observe or dance in them before you attempt to DJ, or at least get feedback from whoever is running the event on what they want and how it has been run in the past when it comes to music.”
In practicas, DJs can exclude cortinas, the songs between tango tracks. They’re also free to mix artist groups and alternative and nuevo music.
The most important task is ensuring the community can properly practice, dance, and enjoy.
On the other hand, milongas have set DJing rules.
There should be cortinas and the la cumparsita, which ends all milongas. Tango Voyage said:
“Tanda Order is the number one rule when it comes to Milongas. When you dance, you hear the order of the music, and it follows a pattern. At a Traditional Milonga, you have an order of TT(V/M). So you’ll have 2 Tango Tandas, then either a Vals or a Milonga Tanda next, then back to 2 Tango Tandas, then Vals or Milonga, whichever was not used previously. This gives flow.”
The differences between milonga and practica bring tango dancers to two different cultures. However, both hold the same weight in the Argentine tango community. They also have the same purpose of bringing people together and letting them experience Argentine tango’s beauty.
Argentine Tango, Wherever It May Be
Learning about milonga and practica is just one way to appreciate Argentine tango. Beginners and experts can find milongas and practicas as gateways to Buenos Aires’ rich culture.
Milongas and practicas give people a chance to meet new friends, learn new skills, and share talents. They’re also an excellent way to enjoy tango music, the company, and of course, the dance.
They welcome anyone who wants to experience tango in the best way possible.
People can find milongas and practicas in different parts of the world, waiting for dancers to find a home in them. They’re two different experiences that offer the same result: A deeper love for Argentine tango.