If you’re new to Argentine Tango, you might have heard the term practica thrown around, but what exactly is it? And how does it differ from a milonga? Let’s break it down.

What is a Practica?
A practica is a space dedicated to refining your tango. It’s where you work on your technique, test out new movements, and ask questions without the formal structure of a class or the social expectations of a milonga. Unlike a class, there’s no instructor leading a lesson from start to finish—though there may be a teacher available for guidance. Unlike a milonga, the emphasis is not on performance or social dancing but on experimentation and improvement.
What Happens at a Practica?
You can dance with a partner or solo to work on technique;
You can pause mid-dance to discuss or troubleshoot something;
You can ask a teacher or a more experienced dancer for feedback;
There’s usually a mix of people working at their own pace—some in deep conversation, others dancing continuously;
The music may not always follow a traditional milonga structure (e.g., tandas and cortinas);
There are empanadas. Or something else that's just as yummy. And beverages. For reasons!
What a Practica Isn’t
It’s important to note that a practica is not the same as a milonga, which is a social dance event. At a milonga, you are expected to follow etiquette rules such as using the cabeceo (a nonverbal invitation to dance), respecting the line of dance, and keeping conversations off the floor. Practicas are more relaxed in these aspects because the focus is on learning rather than socializing or showing off.
However, a practica is also not just an open dance floor without structure. Some practicas, like Para Dos, have a guided component, meaning there’s a short class or directed exploration before open practice time.
How Para Dos Came to Be
When I created Practica Para Dos, I wanted to give dancers—especially beginners—a space where they could bridge the gap between structured classes and the often intimidating world of milongas. Many students struggle to apply what they learn in class to a real-world setting, and IMO a practica is the perfect environment to ease that transition. As for the name, it's one of my absolutely most favorite tangos by San Pugliese.
Para Dos follows a simple structure:
45-60 min class – Each session starts with a class focusing on a specific theme, technique, or element of tango.
Guided practica – Dancers have the opportunity to ask questions, work with partners, and ask for feedback, whether from the instructor, your partner, or both.
This format allows dancers to both learn and apply their skills in the same session while fostering a community that supports growth without judgment.
Why Should Beginners Attend Practicas?
If you’re new to tango, practicas are one of the best ways to build confidence. Here’s why:
Reinforce what you learn in class. You’ll retain information better by practicing soon after learning it;
Ask questions in a low-pressure setting. Unlike a milonga, where stopping mid-dance is frowned upon, a practica allows you to troubleshoot freely;
Develop comfort with the music and embrace. The more time you spend dancing outside of class, the more natural tango will feel.
Final Thoughts
I’ve always felt that a practica is a crucial part of your tango journey. It’s the space where theory becomes muscle memory, where frustration turns into breakthroughs, and where you realize that tango is a process, not just a dance.
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