When am I ready for a Milonga? Part One

This is a question we are asked by eager beginner students, their eyes shiny with enthusiasm. In fact, I remember when it was asked by Alessio, a student who launched into his first basico at the Melbourne Salsa studio early this year.By mid-year he was flying back from Sydney to dance in a student performance. Now that’s commitment. And progress. So Alessio, if you can make it, we hope to see you at Tango Bar!

I will respond in this column from a beginner leader’s perspective.  Going to your first milonga might be comparable to attending the annual high school swimming carnival in Year 7. You’re a bit scrawny, you’re wearing tiny, navy speedos, and for some reason – just today – it’s 13 degrees C in the middle of summer. Terrified already? Don’t worry. The boy eventually becomes the man and so will you with practice and a few tips.

I think one of the great delights of a milonga is watching others couples dance. Not to tear them apart – there’s no need to throw poison into the champagne. But for a beginning leader it can be a very rewarding lesson in observing floorcraft in practice. So grab a bottle of wine and a good seat and learn by active osmosis. You can take notes on particular elements such as: 

Which part of the music is the leader interpreting through his dance?

How is he expressing that through the woman’s movements?

How does he highlight crescendos and dimuendos?

How does he dance the silences in the music?

Even this art of observation will take practice, but the most important part is to enjoy each stage of your learning. And remember; no b*tching and no sp**dos.

For those of us who have done it before, do you remember your first time? Feel free to unleash your nostalgia here…