I have been following a couple of threads on social media that are on fire about the topic of charging foreigns a higher price admission to a Milonga than locals.
My immediate response to this practice of pricing double standard is, huh? standard?
Let’s see, this is my typical dance week.
On Mondays, I usually go to El Beso for an afternoon milonga that the price of admission is 800 pesos.
If I decide to dance on Monday evening at Nuevo Gricel, the price of admission is 900 pesos, too.
Tuesday afternoon at El Beso or Chique Nuevo on San Juan, again the admission is usually 800 or 900 peso.
Tuesday night at Tangotic Milonga at the Macedonia Hall in Almargo, the admission it is to pay what you like…or as said here …to the hat.
Wednesday night is Sueno Porteño in Palermo with an admission price of 900 peso.
Thursday back to the afternoon milonga at El beso for the admission price of 800 peso.
Friday for one of my other favorite milongas, Kiss Club at El Beso. Here admission is 900 peso.
Saturday or Sunday at the historic club Marabu on Avenida Maipu in Microcentro where admission is also 900 peso.
Now, you understand why I don’t understand the thread on social media. I pay the advertised admission at these Milongas regardless of my status of local or foreigns. That is the situation.
Remember we choose to support these Milongas. So if you don’t agree with this practice, the only answer is…don’t go there.
The milongas that I attend are usually a good mixture of locals [Portenyos] and international tourists. [Foreigns].
This works really well for a mixture of levels of dancers, as most international tourists have taken many classes, so usually are good dancers.
Quite a few Portenyos feel that as they were born with the tango spoon in their mouth, they don’t need classes.
And there are also some fabulous and amazing Portenyos who have taken many classes over the years. And it is evident in their embrace.
So be alert ⚠️. For this misnomer.
Hopefully after dancing a tanda or two,your body will not experience pain.
Many milongas are very crowded, so that makes the chances of getting stepped on or elbowed in the back are high.
At some milongas, floorcraft is best said to be an acquired skill.
And yes even here in the home of Tango, there are some woman who insist on doing high boleos on a crowded floor with high heels on.
Guess they missed the class on floorcraft !!!
Predominantly in my experience, the dancing is respectful, mutually appreciated and beautiful with the right partner.
In all my years of dancing, I have only walked off the floor early when my lead was overly pushing me around the floor and hurting my back.
This I will not tolerate in silence.
I feel so grateful that I have a delicious and talented dance and life partner.
As we Tango, Waltz & Milonga on the dance floors around the world. Abrazo to you all.
