What’s a tango show like?

Aside from a great display of dancing, what can you expect at a tango show in Buenos Aires? Let’s break down what you should wear, how the shows operate, getting to the show and the other factors you may want to know about beforehand.

What to wear to a tango show?

Most shows draw audiences with business casual attire. For those unfamiliar with the term think khakis and a sport coat for men and dresses, skirts and blouses for women. More relaxed shows like Complejo Tango will see guests in jeans and casual wear and higher end shows like Rojo Tango may have clientele arriving in evening gowns and suits. Whatever you feel comfortable in is acceptable though so do not feel bad if you only have a limited wardrobe to choose from. It is understood you are traveling and you are, after all, a paying guest!

What to expect at a tango show?

All tango shows will have their own personal touches and tweaks that differentiate their show from others, but all have a few common denominators. Most all shows will feature:
Live music, singers: Typically a sextet of professional musicians (piano, violins, accordion/bandoneon, guitar, bass) will set the tempo for the dancers and singers. During costume changes the singers will perform solos or duets.
Tango styles: Tango choreographers will try to showcase both traditional and modern tango styles. Cafe de los Angelitos in particular does an excellent job of progressing through the stylish changes the dance has seen over the past century.
Folklore, gaucho dance: Some of the shows have begun to present 2-3 folklore songs (traditional Argentinian country style) as a change up during their shows. The gaucho costumed dancers take the stage to mix things up a bit and display a bit more of the Argentinian culture. Viejo Almacen, the original tango show house began doing this a few years back.
Show length: Most shows average an hour and a half show with a mixture of several couples dancing, featured couples, singer solos all themed by the house band. Dinner is served about an hour before the show and drink service is operated through out the show.

Participation

A hand full of shows like Complejo Tango offer an optional group tango class before the dinner segment of the evening so guests may try out first hand what dancing tango is like. It certainly helps put things into perspective with regards to how challenging tango is and how skilled the dancers are.

Tipping

Is it expected or appropriate? Many guests will leave a little something extra for the waiter if they were particularly attentive. As to whether it is expected or not is a good question. Tango shows receive guests from all around the world where some cultures like the US regularly leave tips and others do not as they are not accustomed to doing so. The waiters, bartenders and staff will certainly appreciate it, but if you are not attending on a holiday like New Year’s Eve or Christmas, a tip will not be expected.

Getting to and from the show

Almost all shows include a group transportation option to and from the show for hotels and apartments. The minibuses pass around the more central, touristic neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, Centro, Puerto Madero and San Telmo. VIP options usually include a private car that come to whisk you away to the tango show at a specified time. Timing is roughly 8:00-8:30 pm for the dinner and show packages and 9:00-9:30 pm for the show only tickets.