Photograph by Alyson Aliano
Ready…
For men, any swank outfit will do. For women, you almost need a costume. Fair warning—once you get started, it’s a slippery slope. Here are a few resources:
Best Tango One-Stop Shop
Tango Splash
Yolanda Rossi recites tango history while you shop for clothes and footwear that would make your mother blush. By appointment only.
Glendale
Best Shoes
turquoise-shoes.com
These women’s shoes are colorful, comfortable, and ridiculously sexy.
orangoutangdanse.com
Guys, check out these racing stripes.
Best Fashion
tangoleva.com
You may think you’ll never wear that skirt, but just wait…
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Set…
Best L.A. Site
tangoafficionado.com
A comprehensive guide to all things tango that lists venues, classes, teachers, DJs, and yes, where to buy shoes!
Best Book
Shut Up & Dance!
In this book by Jamie Rose, the actress discusses romance and tango and how the two intersect.
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Tango!
You can find a local milonga (tango dance party) any night of the week. Most offer lessons at the beginning of the evening. Schedules vary, so check online before you leave the house.
MONDAY
DIVO Milonga
Welcoming people, grand ballroom.
Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, Santa Monica, divomilonga.com
TUESDAY
Tango Mio Milonga
Classic music, full menu.
Leonardo’s, Mid City, apurotango.com/milongas
WEDNESDAY
Milonga El Floridita
Fun crowd, packed floor, great music.
El Floridita Restaurant, Hollywood, facebook.com/milonga.elfloridita
THURSDAY
Monica’s Milonga
Authentic feel, big dance floor.
Argentine Association of Los Angeles, Burbank, monicaorozco.com
FRIDAY
Michael’s Bailongo
Good for all levels.
LA Dance Experience, West L.A., tangoelegant.com
SATURDAY
El Encuentro Milonga
Claims to be the longest-running milonga in L.A.
Tango Room Dance Center, Sherman Oaks, tangolosangeles.com
SUNDAY
San Tel Monica Milonga
For dancing under the stars.
3rd Street Promenade (between Arizona and Wilshire), Santa Monica, organictango.info
RELATED: Read “Face the Music,” Jillian Lauren’s April 2013 primer to Tango in L.A.
