Tango Traveler

Walk into Popular and you find a dimly lit room that feels half milonga and half club. A large disco ball hangs in the center. Somehow it does not attract attention though. Its white trapezoids of light lie motionless, strewn around the room. It seems to be overpowered by several other red lights. A fan in the corner could pass for a Rolling Stones logo. Surrounded by an outline of lips, with a large tongue sticking out flapping in the breeze.

Late in the night the dancing stops, and free alcohol is brought out. Then the music transitions to a combination of alternative and traditional tango. The traditional was spun on vinyl, but using a modern DJ turntable. Modern pop music interspersed as cortinas. An interesting blend of the old and the new.

Getting dances was difficult. The dancers don’t seem to come there for tango, but more for some tango foreplay with their significant others. Most don’t seem to be aware of or interested in cabeceo (or at least just not with me), and I danced with barely a handful of people all night.

There’s a second room in the back that you might miss if you don’t have to visit the water closet. This room plays exclusively alternative music. Low couches and chairs make it a great place to chill and rest your feet.

At a Glance

My observation has often been that milongas that aren’t very friendly are often very high level. This one had the unusual combination of being both not very friendly and not very skilled. Although that does get offset by the overall chill vibe and free drinks. I might give Popular another try again on the chance it was just an off night.