I just wanted to explain my thoughts about Ladies Tandas at Lewes, from the point of view of the music.

Firstly there are three in each Milonga – and they are always in a consistent position – straight after the Milonga Tanda. I also announce them – and the heads up also tells you that the next Tanda is a Ladies Tanda, and what the orchestra is. This allows everyone thinking time to decide who to ask.

I try to be very consistent with the music that I make a Ladies Tanda.

• Always more lyrical than rhythmic
• Never too complex
• But always with some emotional depth

Why is this important? Because the lady is taking a chance to dance with someone that perhaps they don’t know, and presumably they want to dance with.

I want them – and the leader – to feel confident that the music is not going to boring or dull, or stupidly complex.

As an example here are the first tracks of the ladies tandas in our March Milonga – with links to quickly listen to them if they are not immediately familiar to you:

Cantemos Corazón – Carlos Di Sarli & Roberto Florio

Recuerdo – Osvaldo Pugliese

Corazón Encadenado – Francisco Canaro

These are all beautiful songs – but they are even paced and not technically challenging. And as always the tandas are consistent with the first track – on which you base your initial decision.

Asking a leader to dance is already  an interesting moment – let’s make sure that the music supports both of you in your efforts to find enjoyment and perhaps a new social dance partner.