MILONGA classes in medellin

Milonga has long been danced in Medellín, Colombia, and is an important part of the city’s tango community.

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

  • Milonga is both a music genre and a social partner dance that developed in the Río de la Plata region of Argentina and Uruguay during the 19th century.

  • Historically, milonga is considered one of the musical predecessors of tango and developed from a mixture of African, European and local musical influences in the Río de la Plata region.

  • Today, milonga is commonly danced within social tango culture and is frequently danced at tango social events, also known as “milongas”.

  • Compared to tango, milonga is generally danced with a faster rhythm, more continuous movement and a stronger emphasis on rhythmic interpretation rather than dramatic pauses.

  • Milonga dancing is improvisational and emphasizes rhythm, musicality, connection and partner communication.

  • There are two primary forms of milonga commonly danced socially:

    • Milonga Lisa, which has a more straightforward rhythmic structure; and

    • Milonga con Traspié, which incorporates syncopated rhythms and double-time footwork patterns.

  • Milonga music is traditionally played using instruments commonly associated with Río de la Plata music, including the bandoneon, piano, violin and double bass.

  • Some of the most influential figures associated with tango and milonga music include Carlos Gardel, Aníbal Troilo, Francisco Canaro, Edmundo Rivero and Sebastián Piana.

  • Medellín’s connection to tango and milonga culture is strongly linked to Carlos Gardel, who tragically passed away in Medellín in 1935. Today, Medellín is considered one of the most important tango cities outside Argentina and Uruguay.

  • Medellín has an active tango and milonga community, with social dance events, tango schools, professional dancers and regular tango programming throughout the city.

  • 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. The festival’s dance championship has included milonga categories as part of its programming. More information can be found on the website for the Alcaldía de Medellín at www.medellin.gov.co/es/eventos/.

DANCEFREE offers private milonga 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 instructors and teach students of all levels, from new (no experience) to expert. If you would like to take private milonga classes, click here to view the steps for beginning private classes.