It first erupted on the streets of port cities Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the late 19th century, and experiencing it remains one of the most memorable things to do in Buenos Aires.
In the early s, orchestras and tango dancers from Argentina brought the dance to Europe. Today, tango is considered the national dance of Argentina. If you get the chance to be in the capital for a few days, here are just a few of the different ways to experience the dance.
The dancing is always accompanied by live singers and, typically, a quintet orchestra too. At nearly all show palaces, things kick off with a three-course meal โ typically involving steak and red wine. Again, the experience is free. Also, check out the shopping street Calle Florida and La Boca, a colorful port neighborhood-turned-visitor hotspot that is one of the places where tango originated.
An early 20th-century corner bar, over the past years this spot has seen many a tango legend come in. Plus, there are many gorgeous tango photos to admire. The dancing here is a little more subdued than at a show palace but no less haunting or beautiful. Tango dance halls in the city are typically packed with people of every age and background, so their one of the most authentic things to do in Buenos Aires. Tip: If you get a cabeceo head nod and an eye lock from a member of the opposite sex sitting across the dance hall room, that person is inviting you to dance!
Before the experts take to the milonga dance floor around midnight, there are often classes for the uninitiated. Welcoming spots in the capital for novices to learn include La Viruta at the Armenian Cultural Center. Classes are split into six different levels of experience, starting with beginners. A good teacher will break the dancing down into simple components, usually in eight-step timing involving long walks, and yes, a little torso-to-torso action.
