The United States may be thousands of miles away from the birthplace of Tango, but that doesn’t stop it from hosting some of the greatest Tango festivals globally. Packed with workshops, performances, milongas, and special balls, the Top Tango Festivals in the United States are right at your doorstep.
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What are the top tango festivals in the United States
Beyond the major hubs of New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, the allure of Tango has found its way into the heart and soul of several other American cities. All year long, you have great options across the entire country, so let’s explore some Tango festivals in the United States.
April: Tucson
Kicking off the tango festival season in April is the Tucson Tango Festival in Arizona. Tucson welcomes dancers from all over the nation to indulge in a weekend of workshops, milongas, and live music performances. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, the Tucson Tango Festival offers something for everyone, with workshops tailored to different skill levels. The festival provides a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the essence of Argentine tango while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Southwest.
May: Seattle
Dream tango festival, seattel WA – A festival happening in the state of Washington, Dream Tango festival is a big meeting of tangueros with tango workshops, live orchestra and everyday milongas. As the spring blossoms in Seattle, tango enthusiasts converge at the Dream Tango Festival to celebrate their shared love for the dance. The festival features internationally renowned tango maestros who impart their knowledge and passion to eager participants through a diverse array of workshops and seminars. In addition to the learning opportunities, the Dream Tango Festival is a prime destination for social dancing, with enchanting milongas that last well into the night. The Seattle tango community warmly welcomes newcomers, making this festival an excellent choice for those looking to build connections and expand their tango family.
September: Las Vegas
Las Vegas tango festival – Witness the art of tango at the heart of Las Vegas. Las Vegas tango festival aims to bring tango dancers, instructors and admirers from all around the world. A celebration of passion and glamour, the Las Vegas Tango Festival takes the stage in the entertainment capital of the world. With the iconic Strip as the backdrop, tango aficionados gather to experience the magic of Argentine tango. This festival boasts an impressive lineup of talented instructors and live music orchestras, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Beyond the dance floor, participants have the opportunity to explore the dazzling city of Las Vegas, making this festival a perfect blend of tango immersion and vibrant entertainment.
October: Los Angeles, Portland, Charlotte, Columbus
Gavito tango festival – Happening during October, the four day Gavito tango festival aims to provide the international tango community with performances by artists and alternative milongas with top DJs. The 2023 Gavito Tango Festival is scheduled to occur from October 5th to 8th, and it will be held at the magnificent Historic Biltmore Hotel, located in the vibrant heart of downtown Los Angeles. This opulent setting will whisk you away to a realm of Hollywood elegance, allowing you to dance in the very rooms that once hosted the prestigious Oscar ceremonies of the 1930s. We are excited to offer the global tango community a series of seminars and performances by internationally acclaimed artists, as well as both traditional and alternative milongas featuring top-notch DJs.
Portland tango festival – Happening every first weekend of October, Portland tango festival has been active for more than 25 years now. Portland, Oregon, welcomes tango enthusiasts from far and wide to join in the celebration of the Portland Tango Festival. This festival embraces the diversity of tango styles, offering a range of workshops to cater to different preferences and skill levels. Dancers will find themselves enchanted by the welcoming atmosphere and the city’s creative spirit, making it an ideal setting to connect with fellow tango lovers. With its emphasis on community and collaboration, the Portland Tango Festival creates an environment where dancers can explore the depths of tango expression.
Charlotte, North Carolina, Southeast tango festival – A festival every being held every October, Southeast tango festival brings the Argentinian tango to tango enthusiasts in the southeastern region. As the autumn leaves paint the landscape in warm hues, the South East Tango Festival brings the passion of tango to a new corner of the United States. While details of this festival may vary from year to year, it remains a highlight for tango enthusiasts in the southeastern region. From workshops that focus on technique and musicality to enchanting milongas, the festival provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the nuances of Argentine tango.
We cordially invite you to participate in the 2nd Columbus Ohio Tango Festival, taking place from Friday, October 27th, to Sunday, October 29th, 2023. This is a captivating Argentine Tango festival spanning an entire weekend, offering a delightful experience encompassing three days of engaging workshops, five vibrant milongas, curated by five talented DJs, and a spectacular live orchestra performance. Annual Columbus tango festival – Happening in the state of Ohio during October, the Annual Columbus tango festival features days of workshops. Milongas and DJs. (no info yet for 2024)
November: Albuquerque
Albuquerque Tango Festival – Albuquerque Tango Festival, happening every November is a big festival that involves more than 500 dancers and uses 3,000 square foot main dance floor and two 1,500 square foot overflow dance floors. Under the Southwestern sun, the Albuquerque Tango Festival offers an enriching experience for both experienced tangueros and newcomers to the dance. Featuring world-class instructors and live music, this festival embraces the essence of Argentine tango and showcases the warm hospitality of New Mexico. Dancers can expect a fusion of traditional and contemporary tango styles, providing a well-rounded experience that leaves a lasting impression.
December: San Diego
San Diego tango festival – A festival built by Tom Stermitz from Denver, San Diego tango festival, provides not only three day of full tango dancing, but also great waterfront location with sunsets and good weather. (no info yet for 2024). Closing the year on a high note is the San Diego Tango Festival, where dancers gather to celebrate their passion for tango against the backdrop of sun-kissed beaches and beautiful ocean views. With a focus on community and connection, this festival offers a nurturing environment for tangueros of all levels to learn, dance, and forge new friendships. Participants can expect an array of workshops, milongas, and performances that showcase the diversity and beauty of Argentine tango.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the United States offers an incredible array of tango festivals that provide dancers with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Argentine tango. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer seeking inspiration or a beginner looking to take your first steps in this passionate dance form, these festivals offer an unforgettable experience filled with learning, connection, and above all, the rhythm of passion that is the essence of Argentine tango. So, mark your calendars, pack your dance shoes, and get ready to embrace the magic of tango at these captivating festivals!
From coast to coast, the United States offers a plethora of Tango festivals that cater to social dancers of all levels. Each festival brings its unique flavor, reflecting the diversity and vitality of the American Tango scene. Whether you’re a Tango beginner or a seasoned milonguero, there’s a festival waiting for you. So lace up your dancing shoes, and get ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Tango.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m a beginner. Are these festivals suitable for me?
A: Absolutely! All of these festivals offer workshops for beginners and create an inclusive and welcoming environment. Attending a Tango festival can be a fantastic way to jumpstart your Tango journey.
Q: Do I need to bring a partner?
A: While you’re welcome to attend with a partner, it’s not a requirement. Tango festivals are social events, and there are always plenty of people to dance with.
Q: What should I wear to a Tango festival?
A: Comfort is key, especially when you’ll be dancing for extended periods. Women often wear dresses or skirts that allow for movement, paired with Tango shoes. Men typically wear comfortable slacks and a dress shirt, along with dance shoes.
Q: How can I prepare for my first Tango festival?
A: Familiarize yourself with the basic steps and etiquette of Tango. Attend a few local classes or milongas to gain experience. Most importantly, approach the festival with an open mind and readiness to learn and connect with others.