Exploring Denver's Vibrant Tango Dance Community

Exploring the Tango Scene in Denver

Denver, Colorado has a vibrant tango community, offering opportunities to learn, practice, and dance tango. From beginner classes to advanced practicas, there are events happening almost every night of the week for tango enthusiasts.

Learning the Fundamentals

For those just starting out, Denver has several dance studios that offer introductory tango classes. These classes cover the basic steps, techniques, and concepts you'll need to gain confidence on the dance floor. Instructors break down the leader and follower roles step-by-step, and you'll have plenty of time to practice with new friends.

Some popular tango studios in Denver include the Mercury Cafe, the Oriental Theater, and the Denver Dance Artists studio. Classes range from 6 to 12 weeks, meeting once or twice per week. Most studios also host practice nights where you can come refine your skills after completing the beginner series.

Practicas for Developing Skills

Once you have some basic experience, Denver has many tango practicas to help you develop confidence and comfort with the dance. At a practica, there's no formal instruction - just open dance time for leaders and followers to practice together and receive informal feedback.

Practicas happen almost every evening in venues like the Mercury Cafe, Ritmo Dance Studio, and the Denver Turnverein. Some are completely open level while others are intermediate to advanced. The culture is friendly and supportive, making practicas a great way to meet local tango dancers.

Milongas for Social Dancing

The heart of the tango scene is the milonga - a social dance party for tango. Denver has a dedicated community that organizes several monthly milongas around town. Some happen weekly while others are one-time events, often with a lesson beforehand.

Popular milonga venues include the Avalon Ballroom, the Oriental Theater, and even some unconventional spaces like tap houses and salsa clubs. The crowds range from intimate to lively, with talented DJs carefully crafting musical journeys centered around classic and modern tango.

Festivals and Special Events

In addition to regular classes, practicas, and milongas, Denver hosts annual tango festivals that attract dancers from around the region. The Denver Tango Festival happens over a weekend each summer with workshops, dances, and special performances. And the Colorado Tango Marathon brings an entire week of immersive tango back in the spring.

These festivals incorporate world-class instructors and DJs, giving local dancers a taste of the global tango scene. There are also plenty of performances, social dances, and opportunities to connect with visiting tango aficionados from near and far.

Embracing the Lifestyle

Tango is more than just dance steps and postures - it's a lifestyle for many enthusiasts. From practicing complex embellishments to connecting with new friends over a shared passion, tango tends to capture one's imagination in profound ways.

The tango community in Denver is extremely welcoming, making it easy to plug into events and find your place. Before you know it, you might find yourself out dancing, practicing, and socializing almost every night, fully embracing the tango lifestyle.

With such a thriving scene offering regular events, Denver is an ideal city for newcomers looking to discover Argentine tango. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced dancer, there are plenty of opportunities to learn, practice, and celebrate the captivating dance that is tango.

FAQs

Where can I take tango classes in Denver?

Some popular studios for intro tango classes are the Mercury Cafe, Oriental Theater, and Denver Dance Artists. Classes range from 6-12 weeks, meeting once or twice per week.

What is the difference between a practica and a milonga?

A practica is an informal practice event for leaders and followers to improve their skills, while a milonga is a lively social dance party with DJ'd music and dancing.

What kind of festivals happen in Denver each year?

Denver hosts an annual Denver Tango Festival each summer over a full weekend with workshops, dancing, and performances. There is also a Colorado Tango Marathon every spring for a full week of immersive tango events.

How welcoming is Denver's tango community?

Denver has an extremely welcoming tango community that makes it easy for newcomers to plug into events and find their place among passionate, experienced dancers.