LOS ANGELES & surrounding areas MILONGAS

Why This Blog ???

2008-01-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

After seeing the typical listings for milongas (world-wide), I decided to publish this blog with information that is usually accessible only by going to various sources..

A very useful addition to this blog is the map at the beginning of each days posting with the location in the Los Angeles area of all the milongas on that day of the week..

This blog will also contain photos and a detailed description of all (hopefully) of the Argentine Tango Milongas in Los Angeles & surrounding area... It is a "work in progress" and I will attempt to keep it up to date. I will also try to include some videos.

If I can't attend the milonga personally, I will rely solely on the organizer for the details and photos... but, the "My Impressions" section, will be just that... my own experiences, and possibly some comments (that I have heard more than once or twice) from other attendees of that particular milonga . Comments (to the blog) are welcome.. but please no extended conversations in this blog.. Use my email for that... For any corrections, please use my email also... barskyart@netscape.net

For a complete listing of all of the milongas, practicas, classes and special events in Southern California:
Los Angeles and surrounding area: http://www.tangoinla.com/
San Diego and surrounding area go to: http://www.tangosandiego.com/
Santa Barbara and surrounding area go to: tangomilonga.biz, or http://www.tangosb.com/
Ojai area, email: sbauer@west.net

The day by day postings will be in chronological order.. starting with Friday. Although almost all of the milongas are listed.. not all have the details and photos, but it is published.. and you can view the information by scrolling down to the appropriate day.. or milonga. Please email me if are aware of a milonga not shown here..

At the end of these milonga listings are four postings of very useful advice and information about certain practices and traditions at milongas in almost any milonga in the world (Buenos Aires is different especially in asking for a dance). These are titled:
1. What is dance floor etiquette?
2. How do I ask for a dance ?
3. How do I decline an invitation?
4. How do I end a dance?
They are reprinted here with permission by Jay Rabe, the webmaster of the Portland Tango website. Click HERE to visit that informative website about their very active Tango community.

Also at the end of these milonga listings is a posting titled "General Comments Regarding LA Dancers".. my opinions.. If you want to take out a few minutes. please read it.. I welcome your comments..

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FRIDAY MILONGAS

2007-12-30T16:27:00.000-08:00

Click on map to enlarge it to see locations of
Friday Milongas, but for more detailed information and actual addresses, scroll down in this blog..

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(LA4) Milonga Los Amigos 4th Friday of Month, Alhambra

2007-12-30T06:27:00.000-08:00

Milonga Los Amigos

Milonga Los Amigos At The Granada
Fourth Friday of every month 9:30 pm - 2 am
The Granada
17 S. First St. click here for map
Alhambra, CA 91801
$10 per person; full bar and food service

For more info call Linda at (323) 653-5883
email her at lindav@apurotango.com, or see her A Puro Tango

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(RC) Rose City Milonga, Every Friday, Pasadena

2007-12-29T22:17:00.000-08:00

8:30-9:15pm - Mixed Levels Class with Sandor & Parissa
9:15pm-until it's over...

Fees
$15 class
$20 class + milonga
$10 milonga

Location
Rose City Ballroom Dance Studio
Paseo Colorado
(Street Level in the interior Paseo Colorado, close to Macy's)
280 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91101

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(MB) Michael's Bailonga, Every Friday, Westwood

2007-12-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

plenty of seating

SCHEDULE: Every Friday

HOURS: 9:30 to 1 am, (beg class: 8 to 8:45, intermed class: 8:45 to 9:30)
GEN'L LOCATION: West Los Angeles, south of Westwood (UCLA)
MUSIC: DJ.. Michael and guest DJ's
COST: $ 10, student $8, milonga and class $15
ORGANIZER/HOST(S): Michael Espinoza
VENUE: L.A. Dance Experience
ADDRESS: 1941 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles 90025. At rear of parking lot. MAP
Middle of second block south of Santa Monica Blvd
PARKING: In adjacent parking lot and street.
FLOOR: very large nice floor.
FOOD: Selection of snacks, fruit and soft drinks.
AVG. ATTENDANCE (from organizer): 75 to 100
CONTACT: Michael Espinoza, 818-996-1228, email: michael@tangoelegant.com
ADD'L DETAILS:

MY IMPRESSIONS: Music (and quality of milonga) varies by DJ.. Very nice danceable floor.. Wide range of dancers, from beg to adv...

Food table

Michael,
Organizer and DJ

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(CT) Cal-Tech All Nighter, One Friday per Month, Pasadena

2007-12-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

Sometimes an "all nighter"

Click here for Cal Tech Calendar

Usually nice spread of snacks and Dessert

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(MQ) Milonga Querida, First Friday of the month, Alhambra

2007-12-29T06:44:00.000-08:00

How often: First Friday of Month

Place:
The Granada
17 S. First Street click here for map
Alhambra, CA

Host/Organizer: VARO/Yuliana

Time: 8:30-9:30pm Class
9:30-2 Milonga

DJ: Always invired guest DJ

Price: $10 milonga
$15 milonga and class
(occasional guest teachers and class is extra $)

Full service bar and restaurant food.

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(SR) Sonata Room, Second Friday of the Month (see exception) ARCADIA

2007-12-25T15:51:00.000-08:00

The Sonata Room Milonga.. Every second Friday, except when the Cal-Tech milonga is moved to the second Friday.. If that occurs, the Sonata Room Milonga is moved to the third Friday.

çlick here for map

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SATURDAY MILONGAS

2007-12-24T16:28:00.000-08:00

Click on map to enlarge it to see locations of
Saturday Milongas, but for more detailed information and actual addresses, scroll down in this blog..

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(EE) El Encuentro, Every Saturday, Sherman Oaks

2007-12-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

Lots of seating

SCHEDULE: Every Saturday
HOURS: 9:30 pm to "until the candlelights go out" (about 2:45am).
GEN'L LOCATION: Sherman Oaks
MUSIC: DJ: Angel/Julie/Juan Carlos + guest DJ's
COST: $ 12 before 10 pm... $15 after 10 pm
HOST(S): Angel, Julie
VENUE: The Tango Room Dance Center
ADDRESS: 4346 Woodman Ave. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. (MAP)
PARKING: Adequate free parking in adjacent 3 lots or street.
FOOD: Nice variety of fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, crackers, etc, plus soft drinks (included)
FLOOR: Nice medium size floor
AVG. ATTENDANCE (from organizer): 90
CONTACT: (818) 981-6500 (818) 997-9419 (818) 606-5895

MY IMPRESSIONS:
Been to this milonga many times. A pretty and nicely-decorated venue*.. Many Saturdays it's "the only game in town" Many, many "regulars" attend. Up there with the milongas that have the highest percentage of advanced dancers. DJ's vary, but usually Angel, Julie or Juan Carlos... I like the music (most seem to). I'd say it has the best spread of snack foods of any milonga in LA...

Like many milongas, some first-time attendees, and dancers from out-of -town say that "the regulars" are not friendly, tough to get dances". Actually, I see many "regulars" asking new attendees to dance.. ( I know I do). I think, like in many milongas, dancers needs to establish themselves. I see Angel and some men asking "sitting" women to dance.

*Interesting fact: It's the only venue in LA, leased (the whole week) by Milonga organizers, and has dance-related activities all week... That is probably why it is so nicely decorated. (a woman's touch doesn't hurt) . After all is said and done.... This milonga is still going strong... started in 1999.. and the organizers are very active in supporting and promoting Argentine Tango with other important events locally and in other cities...

Last dancers at 3 am

sometimes later!

Hosts/Organizers:
Angel, Julie

Large spread of fruits, veggies, cheeses, etc.. and beverages.

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(CS) Con Sabor a Tango, 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, Pasadena

2007-12-22T23:53:00.000-08:00

Con Sabor a Tango Milonga & Class

First and Third Saturdays of the month

Join us for authentic Argentine Tango taught by professional Argentinian teachers, Claudio Otero and Makela Brizuela. Enjoy a night of passion as you travel back to Buenos Aires...

Location : 1368 North Lake Ave Pasadena, CA 91104
Contact : Rosie (818) 968-2500

Hours: Class 8:00pm-9:00pm Milonga 9:00pm-2:00am Prices: Class only $10.00 Milonga only $10.00 Class & Milonga $15.00 Students with ID only $5.00

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(QF) Westwood Saturday Night Milonga, First Saturday, Westwood

2007-12-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

Westwood Saturday Night Milonga



monthly, first Saturday



L.A. Dance Experience

1941 Westwood Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA

Contact: Yolanda Rossi 818.244.2136

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(LA2) Milonga Los Amigos, Second Saturday, Pasadena

2007-12-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

SCHEDULE: Second Saturday of each month
Milonga Los Amigos in Pasadena
Second Saturday of every month, 8:30 pm - 1:30 am
Fred Astaire Dance Center
1368 N. Lake Ave. click here for map
Pasadena, CA 91104
$12 per person; $10 full-time students and that month's birthdays
includes snacks & drinks

CONTACT: For information call Linda at (323) 653-5883 or see the website at
www.apurotango.com

MY IMPRESSIONS: large well-lit, spacious studio.. nice music.. My experience was that there was a high percentage of beginners and intermediate dancers.. leaders and followers.. Linda has large classes and attracts all these student to her milongas. BUT, with such a large attendance, there seemed to be quite a few advanced dancers.... Music very good.. Tandas and Cortinas..
and.. . big crowd !!

Linda Valentino,
Organizer, Host,
DJ, Teacher.

comfortable seating

Very nice spread of food and drinks

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(OV) Oxygen Verdemar, 2nd Saturday of the month, Mar Vista

2007-12-19T23:14:00.000-08:00

Held at Oxygen Tango, Mar Vista (West LA near Culver City)

112958 Washington Blvd 90066 (Click address for map & directions.)
CLASS: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
DANCE: 9:30 pm-7:30 am
Donates $1 to The Nature Conservancy's Plant A Billion Project for each dancer
For more info http://tangomarvista.org/milonga.html

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(ER) El Rincón, Last Saturday of Month, Downey

2007-12-19T18:12:00.000-08:00

New Day! New Format! Dance to your favorite classic tangos. La Milonga El Rincón is the place to be on the LAST SATURDAY of the month every month except DECEMBER. Join us for an authentic taste of a Buenos Aires-style Milonga. 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. Milonga admission $12 ($7 students with ID) (Except for announced special events where pricing may be different.)
Location : Downey Elks Lodge, 11233 Woodruff Ave, Downey, CA 90241 Contact : John 714-206-2220 or Betty 949-510-8919
We are dark December 2011. Special events may be priced differently.

Organizers Betty & John

DJ: John Tice

Food

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(OM3) Oxygen Milonga, 3rd Saturday of month, Mar Vista

2007-12-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

Third Saturday of the month.. in MAR VISTA.. near Culver City

112958 Washington Blvd (Click address for map & directions.)
CLASS: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
DANCE: 9:30 pm-7:30 am
Donates $1 to The Nature Conservancy's Plant A Billion Project for each dancer
For more info http://tangomarvista.org/milonga.html

Personal Comments: After hearing from a number of people about how good this new milonga
was... I finally went myself... Crowd was a bit younger on average than most milongas, but... In all my experiences at milongas in LA ..I would say that there were more really wonderful dancers there than any other milonga I've been to (in LA)... and the great music just made it better !!

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(MP) Milonga Porteña, every 4th Saturday, San Pedro

2007-12-19T07:18:00.000-08:00

Milonga Porteña, every Fourth Saturday, 9pm-1:30am,

Gallery 381,

381 W 6th Street

San Pedro, CA; 90731

  Click here for map

 hosted by Silvia and Annie of Tango San Pedro, music by DJ 

Emmet; $12 cover

Any questions, contact:

SILVIA ASKENAZI

www.tangosanpedro.com

(310) 902-8503

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SUNDAY MILONGAS

2007-12-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

Click on map to enlarge it to see locations of
Sunday Milongas, but for more detailed information and actual addresses, scroll down in this blog..

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(M3) (Monthly Mobile Milonga), One Sunday a month (Varies) , Various Residences.

2007-12-17T18:41:00.000-08:00

Cafe Laurent

Residences

SCHEDULE: Sundays (as announced)
HOURS: as announced
GEN'L LOCATION: Various locations
MUSIC: DJ: Emmet usually
COST: Usually free
HOST(S): Emmet + home occupant
VENUE: Various homes
ADDRESS: look for announcements
FOOD: Varies
FLOOR: Usually in home (Living room, Patio ?, sometimes other places.. restaurants, dance studios, schools. (see photos above)
AVG. ATTENDANCE (from organizer):
CONTACT: esoconlon@yahoo.com (emmet)

My Impressions: These milongas are always fun!! You have to be flexible !! some of these milongas are far away..some close ... Emmet's idea (and a good one!) is to provide a milonga in many different locations .. accessible to lots of dancers.... But, you know, us dancers will go anywheres to dance !!..

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(NT) Noche de Tango, Every Sunday, Burbank

2007-12-17T18:37:00.000-08:00

SCHEDULE: Every Sunday
HOURS: 7:30 to 12
GEN'L LOCATION: Burbank
MUSIC: DJ: Juan Carlos
COST: $ 10
HOST(S): Argentine Association of Los Angeles (AALA)
VENUE: Argentine Association of Los Angeles
ADDRESS: 2100 Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank , CA 91504 (MAP)
PARKING: Street

FOOD: Nice spread from the AALA kitchen

FLOOR: very nice floor medium/large size
AVG. ATTENDANCE (from organizer):
CONTACT: 818.567.0901 or 818.567.4108

Organizers, cooks, bartenders, etc

Lalo, Ricardo, Terecita, Mariela and Tito.

Nice spread from the AALA kitchen
many hot items fresh from the kitchen

DJ Juan Carlos

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(MD) Milonga Dulce, 2nd Sunday of Month, Glendale

2007-12-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

No Performances. No classes. Just DANCE!

New Milonga hosted by Laura Fremont
in her newly refurbished dance studio

For those of you with a QR scanner

Pacific Studio for Dance

1123 N. Pacific Ave. click here for map

Glendale, CA 91202

Who: Laura Fremont’s Milonga Dulce

What: Within a moment.

An intimate environment.

A friendly evening.

All about dancing and sharing dance.

When: 2^nd Sunday of Month

7:00-11:00pm

September 11, 2011

October 9, 2011

November 13, 2011

December 11, 2011

Rotating DJ The list is from both tried-n-true experts, and debuts of

up-n-coming greats.

Dance Floor 1000 square feet of smooth, gliding surface. Shape of the room

enhances proper floor traffic.

Food Baked goods are hand made by Mary Caryl. There is a selection of

Liqueurs and an open Espresso Bar at 8:30. Finally, there is a

pleasant selection of wines. Water for the thirsty (of course).

Looks very delicious !!

Parking: Street parking throughout a safe neighborhood. Some parking

behind the Fidelity and Bakery buildings after 8:30pm.

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(OF) Oxygen Fresh Outdoors, First Sunday of the month, Santa Monica

2007-12-16T23:19:00.000-08:00

At the Santa Monica 3rd Street Mall.. between Wilshire and Arizona. 6 to 9 pm

Nice outdoors milonga. a bit tough dancing on cement.. but lots of fun..with the bystanders looking on and enjoying the dancing.

Oxygen Outdoors is free our open-air Tango occurrence. Each month, on the first Sunday, Oxygen dancers and friends gather on Third Street Promenade to take part in a sweet ritual, one of the longest-running Tango traditions in LA. Our Outoors DJs play rock solid traditional music that more than holds its own -- it rivets the mind amidst the cacaphony of the promenade. Dance sneakers or danceable street shoes recommended; leave the stillettos at home for this one. FREE and open to all !

Contact : connect@oxygentango.com

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(EG) Milonga El Gringo, Last Sunday of the month, Mar Vista

2007-12-16T22:44:00.000-08:00

Organizer:	Michael McCarrell

	Milonga El Gringo - Sunday Milonga of Alternative Tango Music By Your Side Productions & Dance Studio 12613 Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA (West Culver City) 90066 Click here for map The LAST Sunday of the month - August 28th, 8-11pm All Levels Class from 7-8 pm with Eric Finke ... Beautiful Contemporary Tango Arrangements Danceable and Inspiring Golden Age Traditional Tango music Sensual, seductive, intoxicating and beautiful music Fabulous Dance Floor Buffet Table Cost: $17 with Class, $12 - Milonga only If you love modern tango music, this is your event. See you there! Michael & Sara *************************************************************************

(UC) UCLA Milonga, Occassional One Sunday a month, Westwood

2007-12-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

SCHEDULE: Sundays (as announced)
HOURS: 7 pm to midnite: milonga , 6-7 pm: beginner and intermediate lessons
GEN'L LOCATION: Westwood
MUSIC: DJ.various Night of visit.. Varo & Valadimir
COST: Suggested Donation: $2 UCLA Student, $5 other student / UCLA affiliated, $7 non-UCLA (no charge for lesson)
HOST(S): Tango Club at UCLA
VENUE: UCLA Kerckhoff Grand Salon
ADDRESS: For more information on location and parking see:
http://www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/tangoclub/
FOOD: Nice selection of veggies/dips/cookies/ soft drinks..
FLOOR: Very nice wood floor
AVG. ATTENDANCE (from organizer):
CONTACT: Brian: bn@redlightfusion.com

MY IMPRESSIONS: Beautiful large space and nice wooden floor. These university halls (Cal-Tech also) are really beautiful..and especially this one.. wood paneled walls, beautiful chandeliers, ample seating.. Variety of dancers .. from beginners to advanced dancers... Early, mainly UCLA students.. beginners/intermediate.. later in evening, other dancers show up from the LA Tango community.. intermed/advanced..

Organizers:
Stephen, Emily, Hector, Lori, Brian, Amy

Varo & Vladimir

large selection of veggies/drinks

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TO CONTINUE, CLICK ON "OLDER POST"

(below to the right

(CD) Club Danzarin (Cesar's), Every Sunday, Costa Mesa

2007-12-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

DETAILS WHEN AVAILABLE

snacks & drinks

DJ: Cesar

Hosts/Organizers
Patricia & Cesar

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MONDAY MILONGAS

2007-12-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Click on map to enlarge it to see locations of
Monday Milongas, but for more detailed information and actual addresses, scroll down in this blog..

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(DV) Divo's, Every Monday, Santa Monica

2007-12-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

click on photos for larger image

SCHEDULE: Every Monday
HOURS: 9 pm to 1 am,
GEN'L LOCATION: Santa Monica
MUSIC: DJ, VARIES..
COST: $12
HOST(S): Vladimir & Dmitry
VENUE: Santa Monica Bay Womens Club
ADDRESS: 1210 4th St. Santa Monica, CA 90401 (SW corner of 4th & Wilshire) (MAP)
FOOD: Large selection of fresh fruit, veggies, beverages, cookies. (see photo)
FLOOR: Very large wooden floor.
PARKING: In public parking structure adjacent to the milonga (free if you exit after 12:45 am), or on street.
CONTACT: solovchik@yahoo.com (Vladimir)

Organizers: Vladimir & Dmitry

MY IMPRESSIONS: I've attended almost every Monday since it opened early 2007. It's a very large space. The Club was built in 1914. This beautiful, classic space was meant to house a milonga! Nice selection of music.. decent sound system. Very good dancing and dancers.. 90% close embrace.. I estimate about 30% advanced dancers, 60% intermediate.. (comments?). A very enjoyable milonga (for me as a leader and regular attendee). As with many milongas, first-time visitors might have a tough time "breaking in"... but it's worth the effort.

DJ: Vladimir

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TUESDAY MILONGAS

2007-11-26T16:30:00.000-08:00

Click on map to enlarge it to see locations of
Tuesday Milongas, but for more detailed information and actual addresses, scroll down in this blog..

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(VP) Vladimir & Peri's Practica/Milonga, Every Tuesday, Los Angeles

2007-11-25T18:03:00.000-08:00

SCHEDULE: Every Tuesday
HOURS: 8:30 to 1am
GEN'L LOCATION: West LA (3rd & La Cienega)
MUSIC: DJ by Vladimir
COST: $ 10
ORGANIZER/HOST(S): Vladimir & Peri
VENUE: 3rd St. Dance Studio,
ADDRESS: 8558 W, 3rd St. Los Angeles CA 90048, 3 blocks west of La Cienega. (MAP)
PARKING: Limited pkg. in rear lot, limited street pkg, Beverly Center pkg. (2 blocks away), Valet pkg next door at restaurant..
FLOOR: Nice floor.. (Dance Studio)
FOOD: One large Pizza, w/everything! (arrives about 8:45)) wine, soft drinks (limited)
AVG. ATTENDANCE (from organizer):
CONTACT: 310 275-4683 (Studio)

MY IMPRESSIONS:
.. Normally, I wouldn't include a "practica" in this listing, but this event attracts many LA dancers.. and lasts late into the night... free pizza and wine !! and enough better dancers to make it interesting.. especially later in evening (but not a sure thing!!). Comments by a few advanced women dancers.. "not happy at this practica.. not enough better male dancers". I think the very casual dress and atmosphere makes it attractive. Central LA location doesn't hurt.. and if the food doesn't agree with you.. or you get "Boleo'd".. Cedars-Sinai is 1 block away .. (Jerry's Deli, 3 blocks)

Host: Peri

DJ Vladimir

Look for the sign

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(TM) Tango Mio, Every Tuesday, Los Angeles

2007-11-25T17:15:00.000-08:00

Every Tuesday Night, 7 pm to Midnight,, Hosted and DJ'd by Linda Valentino

Tango Mio
Every Tuesday night, 7 pm - midnight
Leonardo's
831 S. La Brea Ave, L.A. 90036 click here for map
$10 entry before 8 pm; $12 entry 8 - 10 pm; $8 entry after 10 pm
full bar and food service

Very nice large floor..and plenty of seating...

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WEDNESDAY MILONGAS

2007-11-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

Click on map to enlarge it to see locations of
Wednesday Milongas, but for more detailed information and actual addresses, scroll down in this blog..

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(EF) El Floridita, Every Wednesday, Hollywood

2007-11-19T22:22:00.000-08:00

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT EL FLORIDITA RESTAURANT.. Full service (very good) Food and Bar

Location : 1253 North Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90038
Contact : milongaelfloridita@yahoo.com ; 323.528.2554

MEF – MAGIC EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT 9:00 PM - 12:30 AM - (Dancing) - $10

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THURSDAY MILONGAS

2007-11-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

Click on map to enlarge it to see locations of
Thursday Milongas, but for more detailed information and actual addresses, scroll down in this blog..

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(MM) Monica's Milonga, Every Thursday, Burbank

2007-11-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

Juan Carlos the DJ, with new music, from argentine band recording in France.
Lalo's chef, always, with the best of his heart, just for you.
Ricardo, ready to serve, the drink you desire.
Tata and Teresa, the smile will received you.

SCHEDULE: Every Thursday
HOURS: Milonga: 9:30 to 12:30 (8-8:30 Beginners practica, 8:30-9:30 lesson by Monica )
GEN'L LOCATION: Burbank
MUSIC: DJ, Juan Carlos
COST: $ 10, lesson & milonga $15
HOST(S): Monica Orozco
VENUE: Argentine Association of Los Angeles (AALA)
ADDRESS: 2100 Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank , CA 91504 (MAP)
PARKING: Adequate on street
FOOD: Plenty of snack foods.. sometimes even more than snacks..
FLOOR: Very good wooden floor medium/large
AVG. ATTENDANCE (from organizer): 65
CONTACT: email: tangopower@aol.com

MY IMPRESSIONS: It's difficult for me to be objective about this place..
Here, at "The Association", is the first place I saw Argentine Tango up close and the first milonga I ever attended before taking lessons,,
Usually a mix of beginner/intermediate/advanced, but always many good dancers.. The floor was replaced in 2006, and is really good.. and a nice size and danceable shape... Lots of seating at tables, a Bar with wine and soft drinks reasonably priced.
MONICA'S ENTHUSIASM ALWAYS MAKE IT A FUN EVENING !!

Monica Orozco..Organizer/teacher

bartenders/bouncers

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What is dance floor etiquette?

2007-11-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Dance floor etiquette is an informal collection of protocols and guidelines that have evolved to maximize everyone's enjoyment.

"Floorcraft" is the ability to navigate smoothly around the dance floor, staying in "Line of Dance" (moving counterclockwise around the dance floor) while avoiding collisions with walls, furniture, or other dancers. With some exceptions, floorcraft is the responsibility of the leader. This allows the follower to "zone out" and just enjoy the embrace and the music, trusting her leader to take care of her.

The main goal of floorcraft and dancefloor etiquette is to avoid injury - to the follower, to other dancers, and to walls and furniture and potted plants. This requires that the leader be paying full attention to his surroundings and to other dancers and their styles of dancing - whether they are controlled and disciplined, or whether they are wild and crazy.
The second goal is to keep traffic moving around line-of-dance. This means not stopping and blocking other dancers behind you if there is an empty space in front of you.

As you progress CCW around the floor in line-of-dance, the most strategic place to dance is near the wall, close enough that no one has space to get into your blind-spot by passing you on the right.
Stay in single-file if you can. At a crowded venue, it will naturally happen that couples will migrate into several "rings" or "lanes" of single-file dancers. Try not to switch lanes to pass slower couples, unless they appear to be clueless and a traffic jam of dancers is building up behind you.

Is is customary to not talk at all while dancing at a milonga. If you want to talk or teach or discuss a step, it is polite to wait until you are off the dance floor so you don't disturb other dancers. At practicas, this protocol is relaxed, and it's OK to talk, to work on your steps, or to discuss technique while on the dance floor.

Entering the dance floor while other dancers are dancing is like merging onto the freeway: wait for an opening, make eye contact if you can, and move in gracefully without disturbing the other dancers, rather than forcing your way into the line of dance.

How do I ask for a dance?

2007-11-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

Most often, you just walk up and ask someone. Usually a man will ask a woman to dance, but at some milongas, in some cities, it's acceptable for women to ask... and it's accepted at most venues for women to dance with women or men to dance with men (but very few in Buenos Aires).

However, there is a charming convention that originated in Argentina called the cabeceo (ka-ba-say-o) that involves making eye contact. If there's someone you want to dance with, you stare at them until they look your way. When you make eye contact, you raise your eyebrows and/or make a subtle head nod (cabeceo = nod) toward the dance floor. The responder answers "yes" by smiling and nodding back, or "no" by turning and looking away. (It's polite to wait until your potential partner has come off the dance floor before you ask them for the next dance.)
The key thing to make this work is that you must make eye contact. In American culture that can be considered aggressive, but, well, you just have to get over that if you want the cabeceo to work.

How do I decline a dance invitation?

2007-11-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

If you avoid eye contact, the potential asker may get the message that you don't want to dance. If they come up and ask you anyway, a simple, "No, thank you," with or without a big smile, should be sufficient.
You may offer a courteous excuse to soften the refusal, for example: "I am resting/would rather not dance to this music/ want to finish this conversation." If you are hoping to dance with this person some other time, be sure to say so.
If you have declined an invitation to dance with the excuse that you are "resting," it would be thoughtless and/or rude to then accept another offer, even if from a more desirable dance partner, before the song or tanda has ended, unless of course you INTEND to give the first person the message that you don't ever want to dance with them in the future.

You have the right to refuse to dance with anyone, at any time. You have the right to end a dance at any time, even if you are already dancing with them (see next section).

How do I end a dance?

2007-11-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

To say "thank you" to your dance partner is a coded way of saying, "I want to stop dancing now." If you want to express your appreciation for the dance, but you want to keep dancing with this partner, use words or an expression other than "thank you.".

The cortina (the non-danceable interlude between sets/tandas) is the customary time to change partners. However, it's entirely OK to dance more than one tanda with the same partner, and it's equally OK to stop dancing before the tanda or even before the song is over, if you are sufficiently uncomfortable for any reason. Maybe the leader (or follower) is throwing you around, maybe they smell bad, or maybe you're just getting a blister on your foot. Whatever the reason, just stop, explain whatever you want, thank them, and leave the dancefloor.
That said, there is truth to the saying that "Everyone sees everything on the dance floor," and ending a dance early, especially in the middle of a song, is potentially enbarrassing. So if you don't INTEND to embarrass them, it is sensitive to make up some excuse, like your feet hurt, perhaps feigning fiddling with your shoes to lend credence, and let them escort you off the dance floor amicably.

MEN!! If you really want to show what a great dancer you are..AT THE END OF THE TANDA, PLEASE ESCORT THE WOMAN BACK TO HER TABLE OR CHAIR.. SHE IS NOT A CANDY WRAPPER TO DISCARD WHEN YOU ARE THROUGH WITH IT... and thank her again before you leave.

General comments regarding LA dancers

2007-11-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

Since this is my blog, I will take the opportunity to make a few personal observations regarding the Los Angeles Tango scene.. Am I qualified to do this ?? maybe and maybe not, but this is what I have come to believe after what I have experienced and witnessed..

A general comment.. Again, everything below is my own personal opinion.. as a result of alot of hours of watching and dancing... approximately 13 years of dancing Argentine Tango, in LA, probably averaging 6 nights a week.... 6 Denver & San Diego Festivals, (36 milongas)... In Europe , 6 weeks of dancing (almost every night) over the last three years... and Buenos Aires for the last 5 years, for 7 or 8 weeks each of those years.. averaging 10 milongas a week..

I have come to love the "Close Embrace"' style of dancing.. fairly simple like in the salon dancing in Buenos Aires and I dance that style (almost) exclusively. I know that there are other styles of Argentine Tango, and I respect those who dance them (almost all).. and I also love to watch good dancers doing the "Nuevo Tango" style.. So, you'll understand that my comments below are from that "bias"

Actually, I'm sure these comments could apply to many tango communities... But I'm most familiar with LA, so here goes..

Los Angeles dancers, in general (I don't mean every of us.. just the overall impression) do not have a good reputation among dancers (and teachers) who travel widely. I think this is not only in relation to the, sort of, standard Buenos Aires "Close Embrace" style of dancing.. but also relating to the quality of the leading and following that a partner "feels" while dancing.

First.. the men.. We (and I include myself) stop, much too quickly, taking lessons to improve our skills.. and I don't mean learning steps!!... I mean the much more important skills of musicality and a clear, confident lead...

I mention musicality, because to me, dancing (any dancing to music) means moving to the music, with the music and interpreting the music being played at that moment. In all the years I've been into Tango, I have been constantly amazed at how many women mention that many, many men do not dance to the music.. (swing, salsa have the same problem).. Two different books I've read about learning tango say you shouldn't start lessons until you have listened to the music for quite a while..and, very important, you love it !.. I alway encourage beginning men, who I see struggling with leading, to just "walk to the music". Two of the men did it for many weeks.. without being embarrassed, and have become very good dancers. In my approximate 12 or 13 years of dancing tango, I have found the skill of musicality together with a proper "close embrace" is much more appreciated by women than a lot of fancy moves.

And as for leading skills.. I don't know if it can be taught. Men can be taught proper posture and how to hold the woman, but I suspect this skill comes only from a lot of practice.. a lot of feedback (spoken and unspoken) from followers and the ability to adjust to different followers..

I think it is important for men to hone these skills constantly, with lessons and a lot of practice.. and I think it would help greatly if teachers would stress general** skills like these instead of steps, steps, steps. I know dancers like to improve their vocabulary of "moves".. but the basic skills are much more critical..

Just spend a day watching the older milongueros at the milongas in Buenos Aires.. the men who have been dancing for many, many years.. nothing fancy.. just a great embrace, beautiful, simple moves, a clear lead, startling navigational skills and a fierce defense of their "space"in the line of dance (in the crowded milongas.. 2 or 3 lines), but respectful and courteous to other skilled leaders.

In both the musicality and leading skills, I have mentioned a lot of lessons and practice.. which means quite a few months (years?) must pass depending on the man's ability to devote that time.. and there's the problem (I think). The beginner/beg. intermediate men rush to the milongas.. ask women, of different skills, to dance.. and the women, sometimes the less skilled women, accept (they, also, do not want to miss a dance). When women, especially the more skilled dancers, regularly accept invitations dances from the less skilled leaders (at a milonga), these men think they are good enough.. and stop doing things to improve their skills as a tango leader.

Alexis White told me, during a discussion about the LA tango scene, he also feels this is one of the core reasons for men not improving in their tango skills.. If the poor leaders got refused more often.. (and were told why)..they might get the message.

** And, those skills being taught in every lesson, should also include (please, teachers!!) FLOORCRAFT, which includes navigational skills, line of dance, staying off the damn floor if you are not dancing.. and (please again, teachers) courtesy when getting into the line of dance...

Oh , I almost forgot the thing that irks me the most.. AT MILONGAS.. Men teaching in the middle of the floor... usually a beg/intermediate man having the chutspah to try to teach a tango step... sometimes to a more advanced woman... I find it unacceptable and rude.. I wish the woman would have the confidence to tell the man it is not acceptable, and walk away !!.

Well, now for the women..
I have very little to say or suggest. I don't have any experience as a follower, and greatly respect that skill. I have found that women learn tango much faster than men. Many, many beginning women (beginning dancers, not beginning women) who I have danced with for the first time, apologize saying "I'm just a beginner".. more than half of the time, I find them pretty good followers.. I think (my opinion again) many beginning women don't have a lot of confidence because, most of the time in classes, they are dancing with beginning men.. who are so busy trying to do the "steps" they aren't leading well.. and I suspect the women think the poor dances are their fault.

Enough said on the subject..for now.. comments are welcome !!