Dressing for Tango

The first question that people ask after deciding to attend a tango class is "what do I wear?". Then subsequently, what should I wear for milongas(tango social events)? Over a fair amount of dance experience, talking with community members, and observation, here is a bit of advice on the subject.

This list and subsequent advice is subjective and based on personal experience as well as a wealth of observation and advice from other dancers.

Dressing for Classes

The classic answer is athletic clothing or dance blacks. They are both great answers, and in fact, overlap in style and comfort as they are designed to go through high levels of physical activity. For tango-specific clothing for classes the general dress would look like comfortable pants, top, or dress that you can move around in without tearing or flashing anything. Additionally, don't wear anything long enough that it will get tangled you or your partners limbs. Keep in mind you will be in close contact with your dance partner so if you are shorter, wear a top with a neckline you are comfortable with.

With normal classes the dress is not formal or required to be, so often you can see people wearing leggings and jeans all the way to the more formal skirts and button ups. Here is an example list of a casual set and a more formal set for classes.

Casual

• leggings/sweatpants

• jeans

• t-shirt

• light sweater

Formal

• dress pants

• jeans

• skirt

• button-up shirts

• blouses

• casual dress

Specifically, for festival classes, great idea would be bringing a sets of practice clothes to mix and match and decide what to wear each day you choose to attend classes. For example, a packing list for 3 days of classes(typical for a 4-5 day festival) might look something like this:

• Three pairs of comfy bottoms(i.e. leggings, slacks/jeans, a skirt)

• Three tops(i.e. T-shirt, tank, button up, blouse)

• Light jacket or flannel to toss over top if the venue is cold

Dressing for Milonga and Packing List

Milongas are the main social experience for tango dancers. Traditionally, dress for milongas involved a suit for men and dresses for women. However, for current-day and international milongas, the dress code combines traditional dress and local cultural norms. Additionally, many milongas will have a theme for the night, ie; sparkle, florals, jewel tones and such. Therefore you can either dress to the theme of the night or make your own way.

The list below are some key items that dancers typically bring to milongas, collected from observing and chatting with dancers with a wide variety of experience.

The List

When attending a milonga, outfits are a part of the fun! Many dancers take this as an opportunity to dress up and wear clothing outside of day-to-day wear. Additionally, personal hygiene and prep for anything that might happen during the milonga is key! Below is a list and reason why people wear the outfits they do at milongas and what characterizes a good tango outfit. Additionally a good general list to keep with you includes the following:

Outfits

The general rule of thumb for tango dress at milongas is business-casual to formal with material or styles that move with the dance without getting tangled or irritating on skin. Additionally, when attending a milonga, bring an extra outfit in case something goes wrong!

• Tango Shoes - the most important aspect since no shoes means no dancing

• Tango Dress - This is usually a tighter fitting dress with a slit or flow at the bottom to allow for leg movement(often a pencil-style or godet) and a well fitting top that allows for flexible movement without wardrobe issues or fabric that will irritate yourself or your partner.

• Tango Skirt - As mentioned above, the most popular styles for tango skirts are pencil or godet and are most commonly high waisted styles paired with a short top. Many tango skirt styles have ruching on the back to accentuate the figure and movement.

• Tango Top - Tops in tango typically emphasizes the back and thus most tango clothing sellers have open or exposed backs as well as a high neck, boat neck, or V-neck front.

• Tango Pants - Typically are made or bought in a slightly baggier fit in order to emphasize clean lines and also disguising slight imperfections in technique

• Tango Dress Shirt - button ups seem the most classic, optionally with a vest or suit jacket. I would recommend wearing lightweight cotton for hot venues.

• Hair accessories to put your hair up(if it is long) so it does not get in the way you or your partner

Extras

These are items to carry in your dance bag during milongas/festivals!

• Extra shoes

• Extra outfit

• Neutral colored undergarments

• strapless bra/sticky bra/petals

• spandex shorts

• Wardrobe tape/small sewing kit for emergencies

• Mints/Breath Fresheners/Gum

• Aspirin/Pain Reliever

• Makeup

• Water Bottle

• Hand Fan

• Snacks

• Deodorant

• Dry Shampoo

• Change of clothes(comfy)

• Why These Items?

• Tango Shoes - would recommend bringing two pairs of shoes; either two pairs of heels or a pair of heels and flats/practice shoes to change into if the heels become too much as often milongas run between 4-5 hours if you choose to stay the whole dance.

• Extra tango outfit/extra shirts - for if something happens to your first choice or you sweat a lot while dancing

• Mints/Breath Fresheners - good hygiene is attractive and respectful at milongas, especially when in close contact with another dancer for a tanda.

• Wardrobe tape - in case of a wardrobe malfunction or to ensure everything stays in place while dancing.

• Aspirin/Pain Reliever - if you are a little too sore but want to keep dancing the night away

• Makeup - for touch-ups

• Water Bottle - hydration is vital to having a great dance experience, especially as milongas can be crowded and hot with high amounts of physical activity. Take care of yourself and make sure to take breaks when needed.

• Hand Fan - to cool yourself off between tandas or while taking breaks(when I was first told this I did not think it was necessary but it is indeed very nice to have)

• Snacks - a boost to energy for long milongas or if you forgot to have a meal beforehand

• Deodorant - once again, good hygiene is important and respectful

• Dry Shampoo - for an emergency hair pick me up and to absorb sweat while dancing

• A comfy change of clothes - sweatpants & shirt or something like to be comfortable after a milonga especially if you have to travel a long distance afterward

Milonga Packing for Festivals

• For festival milongas, your list may look a little different so here are some things to consider to add when attending.

• Think about the type of shoe to bring, bring at least one very comfy pair and that appeals to you in other ways like having a high heel or that matches with your clothes

• Bring a small foot roller/massager it will help a lot, especially if you have been dancing for a few days

• Consider bringing extra mints or cheap folding fans to share with those around you, someone will most likely be very grateful and is a great way to make friends

• Consider your milonga outfit when traveling for festivals, they tend to have themes per night and that may be something you want to take into consideration when packing(i.e. jewel tones, sparkle, Great Gatsby themed) so check out the festival website beforehand!