The Best Places To Learn Tango In Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the international mecca of tango. The dance and its accompanying music were born in the port city and Argentine capital, and Buenos Aires still claims its spot as the number one place in the world to learn tango. We round up a list of the best places to learn this enchanting dance in the city.

La Viruta

Perhaps one of the most well known milongas, or tango dancehalls in Buenos Aires, this Palermo Soho location draws the best of the local tango scene, but for complete novices it also offers classes that are split into six different levels of experience, so you don’t need to feel embarrassed if you are a tango virgin. Classes can be enrolled in at any time of the year without booking in advance, and they also offer salsa, rock, swing and bachata classes to get your hips swinging no matter what dance floats your boat.

La Catedral

La Catedral is better known for its venue than for its tango classes. Located in a crumbling old building in the heart of Almagro, La Catedral used to be a flour storage space, and the vast cavernous space with its high ceilings and assortment of random nooks and crannies speak to its former life. A great option for tourists who are looking to dip their toe in the tango pool without jumping in head first, La Catedral offers classes every day, on Mondays and Wednesday at midday, and also every evening before the nightly milonga gets going. Head there around 7.30pm for a class and then put your skills to work on the dancefloor when the live music begins around 10.30pm.

Sarmiento 4006, Almagro, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 11 5325 1630

Escuela Mariposita

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

This tango school is located in a beautiful old mansion in the southern neighbourhood of San Telmo and exudes all the classic charm of Buenos Aires. As well as being a tango school, Mariposita doubles as a boutique hotel and cultural centre, inviting visitors, guests and students to really live and breathe the tango experience. It takes its tango seriously, and there are a wide range of classes for everyone from beginners to experts. Take a group or a private class, or if you are interested in really perfecting certain aspects of the dance, take a choreography class or a coaching lesson for professional dancers.

Academia de Tango Mora Godoy

Widely considered one of the best places to train in tango in the world, Academia de Tango Mora Godoy is run by internationally renowned tango artist Mora Godoy, who famously danced with Barack Obama on his state visit to Argentina in 2015. This school is considered revolutionary in the world of tango because it was the first to break out of the traditional mould of tango and introduce new concepts and styles, something which had never been attempted before.

Av Pueyrredon 1090, Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 11 8541 2542

Escuela de Tango

School

Escuela de Tango has a long history of dance education, with over 20 years experience in the training of students and teachers. The school is focused on preserving the history of tango and keep the energy of tango alive in the city. Classes are held daily from Monday to Saturday and occasionally invited teachers give special workshops on a variety of topics related to dance and movement.

DNI Tango

DNI Tango is perfect for people passing through the city who want to get a taste of what tango is all about. Attracting a young crowd of travelers, expats and people spending a few months in Buenos Aires, DNI Tango offers classes for all levels in a number of languages, and you can attend group classes, private classes, themed classes or workshops. Check out a free introductory class to see if tango is for you.

CETBA

University

This is the place to go if you are serious about making tango a central part of your life. Also known as the University of Tango, the Centro del Tango de Bueno Aires offers numerous courses that revolve around tango, from the history and culture of the dance to tango instructor training and the musical language of tango. Some of the courses are free, so you can brush up on the theoretical side of tango while you take a break from dancing.