argentine TANGO classes in medellin

Argentine tango has long been popular in Medellín, Colombia.

Here is some basic information about Argentine tango, to get you started:

  • Social events for dancing Argentine tango are often referred to as “milongas”.

  • Argentine tango is an improvised social partner dance that developed in the late 19th century along the Río de la Plata region of Argentina and Uruguay, especially in Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

  • There are several styles of Argentine tango, including Tango de Salón, Tango Milonguero, Tango Nuevo, Tango Escenario (stage tango) and Orillero. These styles differ in embrace, movement, musical interpretation and social dancing approach.

  • Argentine tango music is traditionally performed by “orquestas típicas” and commonly features the bandoneon, piano, violin and double bass. Some tango music also includes guitar, flute and vocals.

  • Some of the most influential figures in Argentine tango include Carlos Gardel, Aníbal Troilo, Astor Piazzolla, Juan Carlos Copes, Osvaldo Pugliese, Francisco Canaro, Carlos Di Sarli and Ástor Piazzolla.

  • Argentine tango places strong emphasis on musicality, connection, improvisation and partner communication, rather than memorized choreography.

  • Medellín’s connection to tango is largely due to Carlos Gardel, who tragically passed away as a result of a plane crash in Medellín in 1935. His influence helped establish Medellín as one of the most important tango cities outside Argentina and Uruguay.

  • Medellín has a strong Argentine tango community, with local milongas, tango schools, professional dancers and international tango events throughout the year. Medellín dancers and instructors also participate in major international competitions and festivals, including the Tango BA Festival y Mundial in Buenos Aires, Argentina. More information can be found about Tango BA on the website of the city of Buenos Aires at buenosaires.gob.ar/cultura/.

  • One of the most important tango events in Medellín takes place each June and is called the Festival Internacional de Tango de Medellín, organized by the Alcaldía de Medellín. More information can be found on the website for the Alcaldía de Medellín at www.medellin.gov.co/es/eventos/.

DANCEFREE offers private Argentine tango classes, in person in Medellín, Colombia, and online via Zoom and Google Meet. Our in-person classes are available 7 days a week and our online classes are available on weekdays only, subject to availability. We have experienced Argentine tango instructors and teach students of all levels, from new (no experience) to expert. If you would like to take private Argentine tango classes, click here to view the steps for beginning private classes.