3473  a well-kept secret in Buenos Aires

Date: Thu, 26 May 2005 16:20:17 -0300
From: Janis Kenyon <jantango@FEEDBACK.NET.AR>
Subject: a well-kept secret in Buenos Aires

That's how I have to describe Plaza Bohemia. It's the newest place to dance
in downtown Buenos Aires. It opened in September 2004, and just as things
got going, it was closed at the end of December like all the other milongas.
It was eventually registered by the city as a milonga and reopened during
April.

The space was completely renovated with new lighting, ceiling fans, parquet
flooring and air-conditioning. It is a beautiful place to enjoy an
afternoon or evening of tango. The tables have black and red tablecloths.
The sound system is excellent, and every seat is a good one. Plaza Bohemia
is the only milonga I know of that has a designated non-smoking section.
Ask to be seated in the section to the right as you enter. Women are seated
at one row of tables in front of the mirrored wall; men are seated on the
opposite side. Tables for couples and groups are in front the of windows
facing the street.

I recommend Plaza Bohemia as a good choice for first-time visitors who are
concerned about getting to dance with local dancers. It's a friendly place
where one of the owners speaks English. On the occasions I've gone there to
dance, the floor hasn't been crowded. You don't need to worry about getting
kicked or stepped on. There's space to dance comfortably.

I was there yesterday afternoon for Alito's milonga. He has been charging
only one peso entrada. However, yesterday was a holiday and he charged five
to try to recover some of the money he's lost over the past month. I was
surprised that some people left when they found out it was five pesos--it's
the end of the month and many live on a very small fixed income (as does
Alito).

Talk about dedication ... the DJ Ray has a serious health problem, but he
took a remise to Plaza Bohemia to do his job for Alito. He provided an
excellent selection of music with a token tanda of salsa.

Although Alito's milonga had no more than 50 in attendance, I strongly feel
it's the quality, rather than the quantity, that is important. And when
there are milongueros, there's quality dancing. Hector Delgado, Ricardo
Suarez, Hugo Rojas, Roberto Angel Pujol, Beto Ayala, and other friends of
Alito came.

Confiteria Ideal is in the same neighborhood. It's a large place to dance
with high ceilings and more dancers, but where you sit is crucial to your
success in being invited to dance. The entrada is 10 pesos no matter what
day you go. It's a popular place where tourists go.

Plaza Bohemia has my vote for the nicest place to dance in downtown Buenos
Aires (barrio San Nicolas). The address is Maipu 444, a half block from
Corrientes, on the first floor. Telephone: 4328-0465

Here's the current schedule of milongas:

Mondays
Shusheta organized by Gloria Garcia
from 21,30 to 3am
Res: 4307-6780

Tuesdays
Azabache organized by Lucia Seva
from 21, 30hs.

Wednesdays
La Milonga de Alito
17 hs - 23 hs.
4328-0465

Fridays
La Milonguita organized by Graciela Lopez & Blas Catrenau
21 hs - 3 hs
4776-3035

Saturdays
Cachirulo organized by Hector Pellozzo and Norma Zugasti
DJ Daniel Borelli (of Lo de Celia)
16 - 22 hs.
4932-8594

Check the current issue of B.A. Tango -- Buenos Aires Tango for all milonga
information. As of May 2005, the magazine has a complete English
translation of articles, happenings and new milonga openings, etc., thanks
to the efforts of Tito Palumbo who has published it for ten years.

Janis Kenyon
Buenos Aires