Vals & Milonga
These are two dances that are closely related to tango, and if you attend a 'milonga' (a social dance), you will hear milongas and valses played alongside tangos. They are different from tango primarily in terms of their rhythm: milonga has a specific syncopation, and vals is composed in 3/4 time, similar to a European waltz. If you listen to the music carefully, you will quickly be able to distinguish between milonga, vals and tango.
There are certain steps and figures that particularly suit these two dance forms, and milonga in particular has a distinctive style that distinguishes it from tango. However, you can adapt most tango steps to them – all you have to do is alter the rhythm (and ideally the style) of your steps in keeping with the rhythm and style of the music.
In our regular weekly classes, we focus primarily on tango. However, we run regular special classes and workshops on milonga and vals, and we try to make these classes open to all levels of dancers, so if you would like to know more about them, do check the timetable of classes, or ask us. We also offer small-group private lessons on these variations. Vals is a particular favourite of ours, and one of our specialities. To watch the best vals in the world, take a look at Gustavo and Giselle on the video page.
Please don’t be confused by the dual meaning of the word ‘milonga’. A milonga (social dance) is not dedicated to the particular dance of milonga. At a milonga, you will hear mostly tangos, mixed with some milongas and valses. Moreover, to dance a milonga is not the same as dancing 'milonguero style' tango, to tango music.
There are certain steps and figures that particularly suit these two dance forms, and milonga in particular has a distinctive style that distinguishes it from tango. However, you can adapt most tango steps to them – all you have to do is alter the rhythm (and ideally the style) of your steps in keeping with the rhythm and style of the music.
In our regular weekly classes, we focus primarily on tango. However, we run regular special classes and workshops on milonga and vals, and we try to make these classes open to all levels of dancers, so if you would like to know more about them, do check the timetable of classes, or ask us. We also offer small-group private lessons on these variations. Vals is a particular favourite of ours, and one of our specialities. To watch the best vals in the world, take a look at Gustavo and Giselle on the video page.
Please don’t be confused by the dual meaning of the word ‘milonga’. A milonga (social dance) is not dedicated to the particular dance of milonga. At a milonga, you will hear mostly tangos, mixed with some milongas and valses. Moreover, to dance a milonga is not the same as dancing 'milonguero style' tango, to tango music.
Read about other authentic tango styles by clicking below:
Page updated 7th December 2018