Argentina

Tango in Buenos Aires

Updated October 17th, 2019

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The first three things that come to most people’s minds when they think about Argentina are the tango dance, the game of fútbol (soccer) and the home of the best steak in the world. While there is more to Argentina than tango, fútbol and steak, these three things are all an important part of the culture of the country and should be at the top of your list for things to experience on your first visit to Buenos Aires.

You can soak up the tango in Buenos Aires by taking tango lessons, attending a milonga and by watching one of the many Buenos Aires tango shows.

Tango Lessons in Buenos Aires

Do you want to tango in Argentina? Buenos Aires is full of places to try the country’s passionate dance.

La Viruta Tango Club

La Viruta in Palermo Soho was the first place I tried. Several nights a week, for one small fee, you can go to all the classes they offer that night from Bachata to Salsa and of course Tango. I ended up only trying a tango class.

I arrived a few minutes late and the class had already begun with a huge group of people. One area of the floor was for the intermediate class and the other was for the beginner. There were at least 100 people if not more trying to learn. Throughout the lesson I could barely see or hear anything. We would dance with one person and then the instructors would talk some more and then we would attempt to find another person to dance with in the mass of people.

A friend of mine had a good experience at La Viruta a few weeks before I went, but I definitely wasn’t feeling it. It was way too crowded for me and I didn’t really learn anything from the class. I walked away still confused exactly what the basic step was. It has more of a club feel, which many people might enjoy more than I did. 

DNI Tango

The instructors performing at the end of the class.

I thought I might enjoy a lesson at a more formal Buenos Aires tango school instead of a tango club. Mostly because DNI Tango offers the first class free I decided to give a beginner lesson there a chance.

I had a much better time. It was a familiar dance class experience, except for the fact that the instructors spoke in both English and Spanish. Not only did they teach steps, but they also gave basic tips on technique and walked around the room to help the dancers.

The room was still fairly crowded, but nothing like what I experienced at La Viruta. I was able to dance with some more experienced dancers and left wanting to take more classes at DNI.

Milongas

A milonga is typically a place or event where tango is danced. 

La Catedral

When I went to La Catedral with a group I didn’t quite know what to expect. The building was dark and felt like an old warehouse. After arriving we sat down to order some dinner. Before I could place my order a man came over and pulled me up to join the dance class. I wasn’t intending on participating in class, I didn’t even know if there was one, but my friends pushed me into it. 

It was only my third Argentinian tango class, but each one progressed significantly from the one before. This class started out with a partner exercise where you had to guide your partner, who had their eyes closed, around the floor. Then it continued with a variety of other technique exercises. The whole class was in Spanish and I danced with the same man the entire time. It was definitely a bit different from what I have experienced, but it was a lot of fun and more challenging then the other classes I took. I felt like I was having a more authentic tango experience too.

After the class I was able to order my dinner, it was only 11pm, typical dinner time! Later in the evening a couple of musicians and a singer performed. People started to freely dance to the music. It wasn’t a theatrical performance or show to watch, but it was a nice way to spend an evening having dinner and drinks while enjoying the tango culture in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires Tango Shows

If you are not up for trying out tango for yourself, check out a Buenos Aires tango show.

Tango Porteño

If you want to watch one of the best tango show in Buenos Aires, check out Tango Porteño. The theatrical show is Broadway-ish without a Broadway price tag. Numerous choreographed tango routines and some singing fill the hour long show. The whole experience is longer if you include dinner beforehand or arrive early to have empanadas and drinks. 

We opted to do dinner elsewhere as there were mixed reviews of the dinner at the theater, but we got two empanadas and unlimited drinks included. 

Plaza Dorrego

You don’t need to go to a fancy theater to see tango. Street tango in Buenos Aires is another popular way to see a tango performance. Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, where the Sunday market takes place, is a good place to see some tango dancers. Usually late afternoon or early evenings on Sundays you will see dancers performing for the crowds for free, with the hope of earning some tips.

How are you going to experience tango in Buenos Aires? Whether you are ready to hit the dance floor yourself or sit back and watch the best tango show in Buenos Aires, don’t miss out on experiencing the dance of Argentina! 

Visiting Information

Where

La Viruta: Armenia 1366, C1414 DKD, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Palermo Soho Neighborhood) 

DNI Tango: Bulnes 1011, C1176ABS CABA, Argentina (Recoleta Neighborhood)

La Catedral: Sarmiento 4006, C1197AAH CABA, Argentina (Recoleta Neighborhood)

Tango Porteño: Cerrito 570, C1010AAL CABA, Argentina (San Nicholas Neighborhood)

Plaza Dorrego: C1103 Buenos Aires, Argentina (San Telmo Neighborhood)

Places

La Viruta

DNI Tango

La Catedral

Tango Porteño

How to Get There

I used google maps to find directions to get everywhere in the city. They proved to be accurate for both the subway and the bus. I found this guide helpful in figuring out how to use public transportation in Buenos Aires. Also taxies, I prefer the app Cabify, are cheap and easy to use.

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

Palermo is a great neighborhood of the city to stay in. Not only is it one of the safest, it is also a trendy area full of bars and restaurants. It is easy to get to other neighborhoods by bus or metro and quick and cheap by taxi.

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2 Comments

  • Kendra

    I’m glad you got to take a class at the DNI school. That school has great teachers. I hope you get another chance to check out La Viruta though! La Viruta is best known as the tango after party place. Most dancers go to La Viruta on the weekends after going to another milonga, so the best dancers get there around 2 am. It will be a little hard to get dances if you are a beginner, but it’s great for watching some amazing dancers!

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