What Is a Tanda in Tango Dancing?
Understand the fundamental concept of a tanda in social tango, how these musical sets structure the dance floor experience and influence milonga etiquette.
A fundamental concept structuring the social Argentine tango dance experience is the “tanda.” This term describes a specific arrangement of music that governs the flow and social interactions within a milonga, a social dance event dedicated to tango. It organizes the evening’s music and provides a framework for dancers to connect with partners and the musicality of tango.
Defining the Tanda
A tanda is a curated set of musical pieces played consecutively during a milonga. Dancers typically remain with the same partner for the duration of this grouping of songs. The primary purpose of a tanda is to create a cohesive dancing experience, allowing individuals to settle into a particular musical style and connection with their partner. It provides a structured segment for dancing, ensuring continuity in mood and tempo for several songs. This framework helps dancers adjust to the music and develop a deeper connection.
The Musical Structure of a Tanda
Each tanda is constructed to maintain a consistent musical atmosphere. Songs are chosen from the same orchestra, era, and often feature the same vocalist. This selection ensures harmonious rhythm, tempo, and emotional intensity, providing a seamless experience for dancers. A tanda commonly consists of three to five songs. Tango tandas most frequently include four songs, milonga tandas usually comprise three, and vals tandas typically have three or four songs.
The Role of the Cortina
Between each tanda, a short musical interlude known as a “cortina” is played. The term “cortina” is Spanish for “curtain,” and this non-danceable music signals the previous tanda has concluded. Cortinas are brief, often featuring music from a genre distinctly different from tango. This musical break allows dancers to exit the dance floor, return to their tables, rest, or seek new partners for the upcoming tanda.
Tanda Variations and Milonga Context
Milongas feature different types of tandas, primarily categorized by musical style: tango, vals, and milonga. Tango tandas are generally the most prevalent. Vals tandas offer a fluid, waltz-like rhythm, while milonga tandas are faster, more upbeat, and often playful.
The structured nature of tandas influences social dynamics and etiquette within a milonga. The “cabeceo,” an invitation to dance made through eye contact and a subtle head nod, is often exchanged during the cortina or at the beginning of a new tanda. Once accepted, dancers are expected to dance together for the entirety of that tanda. This system provides a clear mechanism for partner rotation, encouraging dancers to interact with many different individuals.