Buenos Aires - Tango Shows

[NHBob]

Excuse me if this subject is already covered somewhere in this forum - I haven't found anything.

 

I'll be spending one night in Buenos Aires, Friday 2 March, before boarding ship next day and would like to attend a Tango show (I can do a passable ballroom tango, but not the completely-different Argentine).

 

Unfortunately the excursion cruise line is offering that night is not available to me, only to those overnighting in BA on the previous cruise. They are using La Ventana Tango Nightclub. Anybody have anything to offer about this or other tango clubs?

 

I'll be staying at Sheraton Buenos Aires. Anybody know if hotels offer tours to tango clubs?

 

Thanks for any help.

[dr__dawggy]

Excuse me if this subject is already covered somewhere in this forum - I haven't found anything.

 

I'll be spending one night in Buenos Aires, Friday 2 March, before boarding ship next day and would like to attend a Tango show (I can do a passable ballroom tango, but not the completely-different Argentine).

 

Unfortunately the excursion cruise line is offering that night is not available to me, only to those overnighting in BA on the previous cruise. They are using La Ventana Tango Nightclub. Anybody have anything to offer about this or other tango clubs?

 

I'll be staying at Sheraton Buenos Aires. Anybody know if hotels offer tours to tango clubs?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Yes, most hotels will book a tango show for you and most tango shows offer pick up and drop off service at your hotel. Or, you can book your own....

 

Are you interested in watching a stage show featuring tango...or going to a nightclub/milonga where locals dance the tango? These are two very different types of venues.

 

Assuming you want to watch a stage show.....la Ventana is a good choice and it is not necessary to book via your cruise line. You can do it yourself or work with your hotel. Other options include Esquina de Carlos Gardel or Rojo Tango at the Faena Hotel...there is a long list of shows, some good and some bad....but this will get you started. Once you decide on a show, you can decide whether to go for show alone or dinner with the show. Meals are not the best in Buenos Aires, but with dinner often comes preferred seating. Most shows arrange pick up and drop off at your hotel. Note: These shows cater to tourists and can be expensive.

 

A less expensive and less elaborate option: Go to a show at Cafe Tortoni, one of the oldest cafes in Buenos Aires and connected to the history of Tango. Shows here are shorter and do not feature the elaborate costumes nor do they have as many dancers but Tortoni is much less expensive as well.

 

Another mid priced option is Taconeando Tango.....while there are fewer dancers here than at some of the more expensive shows, the tango orchestra and dancers are excellent...and seating is very near the stage especially if you opt for dinner.

 

Here are links to a couple of web sites. All have an English option....and I think they all post prices for shows with and without dinner.

 

http://www.laventanaweb.com/index.php?idioma=en

http://www.esquinacarlosgardel.com.ar/

http://www.rojotangoshow.com/?gclid=CLO1rcCZw6wCFRNb7AodwAK6qA

 

http://www.senortango.com.ar/en/intro.asp

 

http://taconeando.com/en/

 

http://www.cafetortoni.com.ar/index_ingles.html

 

If your preference is to get out and dance vs watch a stage show....post back and I will provide a little information about options.

[pmacher61]

I'd supplement Dr D's advice with the following. The Jorge Luis Borges Cultural Center in the Galleria Pacifica (on Calle Florida) has some decent shows, not all tango, that are also less expensive than the large showrooms. http://www.ccborges.org.ar/index2.htm

I note that the show alone in La Ventana is US$50 and the show with dinner and wine is $120. For $70 one can eat a heck of a lot better in a near by San Telmo restaurant. A cab from the Sheraton to San Telmo will take 10 minutes and cost less than $8. My favorite San Telmo steakhouse is 1880 located in the 1600 block of Av Defensa. Amici Miei is an excellent Italian spot at 1072 Av Defensa.

A black market for US$ has sprung up recently so it has become commonplace for all kinds of merchants including restaurants to accept US dollars at a rate way above the offcial rate of exchange - as much as 20% more - so it is wise to ask about the exchange rate for cash when making a reservation. Reservations are always recommended at good places. See www.guiaoleo.com.ar for more info about BA restaurants.

[suncityga]

If your preference is to get out and dance vs watch a stage show....post back and I will provide a little information about options.

 

Hi dr__dawggy,

 

Do not know if OP is interested in milongas... but we would appreciate learning more about that option.

 

How do you think New Year's Eve would affect both options?

 

Thanks, Raul

[Slobs]

This all sounds great - we have a whole day at the end of our trip in BA (flight leaves later that evening). But any ideas where we can park our luggage?

Many thanks.

Irene