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Sunday, 4 January 2026

The milonga jungle

 It's quiz time, folks!

Let's face it.  The tango world is full of characters: amusing, a few annoying and some delightful.  Sounds like life, right?

I know it may be painful, but just try thinking about those milonga situations that you would rather forget, with characters who have left you a little powerless or speechless at times.  Remember: Being forewarned is being forearmed.  You can even practise your response.  You CAN take control!

Here are a few real-life scenarios.  What would you do? (More than one response is possible)

  1. The Space Invader
    Two people are deep in conversation.  Their body-language shows that they are focussing on each other.  Someone approaches clearly indicating he/she wants to dance with one of them.
    a.  Ignore the person until he/she goes away
    b.  Acknowledge the person, and continue the conversation
    c.  Interrupt the conversation immediately and get up to dance
    d.  Acknowledge the person, point out that you are involved in a conversation and decline the invitation

  2. The Know-all
    While dancing, once dancer persists in telling his/her partner what they are doing wrong and correcting them.
    a.  Ignore him/her and continue dancing
    b.  Say that you can't dance and talk at the same time
    c.  Say "Thank you" and go right back to your seat making a mental note never to dance with that person again
    d.  Do your best to follow the generous advice

  3. The Human Shield
    After a tanda, rather that clearing the dance-floordurin ghte cortina, some people stand around on the floor chatting.  They are blocking the line of sight of seated dancers who will want to look for a new partner for the next tanda.
    a.  You feel frustrated that you can't see the person you'd like to dance with
    b.  If the "Human Shields" are close to you, ask them to move away or sit down
    c.  The DJ should extend the length of the cortina until they get the message and clear the floor

    How would you respond to these milonga characters?
    Can you think of others?
    PP
    Thanks to Kris Tengo Teng for the image  https://www.facebook.com/groups/147208172635874/user/405922/

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