PSA - Public Service Announcement: Milonga Etiquette

Hi! In case you're wondering I'm still dancing, however, I was feeling very passive about my tango blogging... until now. Most tangueros/as have read at least one article regarding milonga etiquette. I would like to add a few of my observations on the topic.

Milonga Etiquette

1. Don't Text ( or Accept Calls) & Dance: Everyone has had that experience of being in a movie theater and there's ONE rude person that gets a call and feels the need to conduct an entire conversation in a public venue. (I personally can live without all the details of your terrible breakup or the uncomfortable itch that you had to discuss with your OB/GYN.) However, what I saw recently took the cake - - people taking calls at a milonga on their bluetooth headsets... ::seriously:: What is THAT important that you need to be 'plugged in' while you are at a milonga? If you need to take a call please do so off of the hardwood and remove your headset.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised - - I once saw a gentleman sending a text message on his blackberry in the middle of a Spin class.

2. BYOH: Tangueros & tangueras sweat. However, after having the experience of someone's sweat going into my mouth (OHHH THE HORROR - - I'M HAVING A FLASHBACK NOW!!!) I have a new way of handling this - BYOH (Bring Your Own Handkerchief). I know it may appear polite to offer me your sweat filled handkerchief to me to wipe my brow between songs but seriously no.... I can't wipe myself down with your sweat rag... I just can't (::skin crawling::).... and please don't ask me for my handkerchief.... BYOH.

3. Reservations Are Not Accepted: Most NYC restaurants require reservations, however, there are some neighborhood gems that don't allow patrons to reserve tables in advance. The same should be understood about tandas - - no reserving tandas in advance. I have seen tangueros (and tangueras) try to line their dance cards up with their favorite partners. I guess the thought process is that if they ask in advance you will decline all comers until you are up on their rotation... not so. Accepting a dance invitation depends on the music, the mood, and the moment and there's no way to know that in advance. Sorry... reservations are not accepted.

4. Gas: Yes, gas. I went to a milonga and I don't know what kind of snacks they had on the bar but I danced with two leads that each "BURPED" in my ear (repeatedly). Okay, one burp you can overlook and 'gas' happens but when you are keeping pace with the music.... Please say 'excuse me' and for the LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY turn your head the other way....

Ciao,

Pantina