From Arcade to the Milonga: conversation with Stephen Aldaco

This episode originally aired as Season 2 #17, and it’s one I still get messages about. So today, we're bringing it back.If you’ve ever been told to “just feel the music,” but no one explained how—this one’s for you. I break down the essential building blocks of tango music and how they translate into better dances, deeper connection, and more musical movement.Whether you’re a leader or follower, musicality is the difference between just getting through the song… and actually dancing it.Join my upcoming LIVE in my FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld🎶 Embellishment workshop May 27th - IMSO Tango School Online - join FREE for 30 days: https://imsotango.com/online-schoolThe BIG 4 orchestras: Di Sarli, D'Arienzo, Pugliese, TroiloThe BIG 4 of Tango Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7j75hs8BtxmAPTKWfAG0Zy?si=5jjiyNywRc-WGt-2CTpFPQ&pi=m0YmOEtoTJSmeTango Orchestra Sampler Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1fO8xlPHvZv7I2Wk0zA0OK?si=yIL0eNUKT9SxdLLFOqnx-g&pi=VU-2oCF1RDqrz📌 Stay Connected & Learn More🌍 Website: http://imsotango.com📩 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @‌imso_tango💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!🎶 Free Lesson: 5 Things every dancer should know about tango music: https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/83152

Politics and tango might seem like separate worlds—but are they really?In this final episode of the season, I’m diving into the messy, often uncomfortable reality of how political views—whether personal, community-based, or global—can shape who we dance with, who we avoid, and how we feel at the milonga. From awkward cabeceos to full-on community rifts, politics shows up in tango whether we like it or not.This is one of the spiciest episodes I’ve recorded yet, and I hope it sparks reflection—whether you agree, disagree, or find yourself somewhere in the middle.Tango music can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. IMSO Tango School Online helps you break down the music, understand phrasing, and make clear, musical choices in your dance—without overthinking.🎓 Try it free for 30 days—see if it’s right for you → https://imsotango.com/online-school📌 Stay Connected & Learn More🌍 Website: http://imsotango.com📩 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @‌imso_tangoJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!🎶 Free Lesson: 5 Things every dancer should know about tango music: https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/83152

Why do so many tango events fizzle out—even when they seem to be thriving?In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what it really takes to be a tango organizer. From the hidden financial stress to the emotional toll of community dynamics, I explore the real reasons so many events—and organizers—burn out.If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite milonga vanished, or considered organizing one yourself, this one’s for you.Musicality isn’t just about stepping on the beat—it’s about knowing how to listen and respond. IMSO Tango School Online gives you a clear, structured way to learn phrasing, rhythm, and movement, so you don’t have to guess.🎓 Try it free for 30 days—see if it’s right for you → https://imsotango.com/online-school📌 Stay Connected & Learn More🌍 Website: http://imsotango.com📩 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @‌imso_tangoJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!🎶 Free Lesson: 5 Things every dancer should know about tango music: https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/83152

A lot of people think being a professional tango dancer means getting paid to do what you love. And in some ways, it is.But in this episode, I talk about the side most people don’t see—the pressure to always be “on,” the burnout, the financial stress, and the constant effort it takes to keep going. I also share why I was hesitant to go down this path, how I ended up here anyway, and what I’ve learned along the way.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to make tango your career—or what it costs to keep the passion alive—this one’s for you.It’s hard to be objective about your own dancing. That’s where I come in. Send me your dance videos through IMSO Tango School Online, and I’ll point out what’s working (and what’s not) with clear, constructive feedback.🎓 Try it free for 30 days—see if it’s right for you → https://imsotango.com/online-school📌 Stay Connected & Learn More🌍 Website: http://imsotango.com📩 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @‌imso_tangoJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!🎶 Free Lesson: 5 Things every dancer should know about tango music: https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/83152

Can competition and tango coexist? In this episode, I explore a question that makes many dancers uncomfortable: is there a place for competition in tango - or does it betray the spirit of the dance?Reflecting on my recent experience at the Southern California Tango Championship, I unpack what competition reveals (and conceals), why I used to resist it, and how it might actually serve tango’s evolution.Best of Caló Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/09lFDSD2Vz63jTdfxkBGtE?si=67be9174ffe345dfMusicality isn’t just about stepping on the beat—it’s about knowing how to listen and respond. IMSO Tango School Online gives you a clear, structured way to learn phrasing, rhythm, and movement, so you don’t have to guess.🎓 Try it free for 30 days—see if it’s right for you → https://imsotango.com/online-schoolChapters:00:00 Introduction to Miguel Calo and Tango Competitions03:08 The Skepticism of Dance Competitions08:23 Personal Experiences in Dance Championships15:24 The Role of Competitions in Tango21:45 Judging Criteria and the Essence of Tango28:44 Reflections on Growth and Future Aspirations📌 Stay Connected & Learn More🌍 Website: http://imsotango.com📩 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @‌imso_tangoJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!🎶 Free Lesson: 5 Things every dancer should know about tango music: https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/83152

There’s a fine line between connection and confusion on the tango floor. This week, we’re diving into the unspoken sensuality of tango—how it shows up, what it triggers, and where each of us draws the line.What’s considered “too much” might just depend on your mood, your phase of life, or the vibe of the tanda. And like everything in tango, it’s complicated.And let me know. in the comments: what’s your list of red flags on the dance floor?Check out Tarraxo: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHruDO-o4u7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Musicality isn’t just about stepping on the beat—it’s about knowing how to listen and respond. IMSO Tango School Online gives you a clear, structured way to learn phrasing, rhythm, and movement, so you don’t have to guess.🎓 Try it free for 30 days—see if it’s right for you → https://imsotango.com/online-schoolChapters:00:00 The Primal Desire for Dance03:32 The Evolution of Social Dance06:50 Sensuality in Dance: Understanding Boundaries10:56 The Spectrum of Sensuality in Dance15:56 Navigating Sensuality: What’s Appropriate?22:21 The Role of Touch and Intimacy in Dance27:09 The Complexity of Sensuality in Tango31:48 Evolving Perspectives on Sensuality39:12 Establishing Personal Boundaries in Dance📌 Stay Connected & Learn More🌍 Website: http://imsotango.com📩 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @‌imso_tangoJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!🎶 Free Lesson: 5 Things every dancer should know about tango music:

Tango is full of paradoxes. We get physically close, yet remain emotionally guarded. We crave connection, but many of us are introverts with social anxiety. So what kind of connections do we actually form through tango?In this episode of The Tango Banter, I’m diving into the weird and wonderful world of tango relationships—the ones that don’t exist in any other part of life.This isn’t about judging them—it’s about recognizing how much we learn about ourselves through the connections we form (and don’t form).Musicality isn’t just about stepping on the beat—it’s about knowing how to listen and respond. IMSO Tango School Online gives you a clear, structured way to learn phrasing, rhythm, and movement, so you don’t have to guess.🎓 Try it free for 30 days—see if it’s right for you → https://imsotango.com/online-school📌 Stay Connected & Learn More🌍 Website: http://imsotango.com📩 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @‌imso_tangoJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!🎶 Free Lesson: 5 Things every dancer should know about tango music: https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/83152

What if the way you see yourself is shaping the way you dance—and the way others experience you at the milonga?Tango isn’t just about steps; it’s about presence. And yet, so many dancers hesitate, shrink, or second-guess themselves because they don’t feel they “look” the part. But does appearance really determine connection, or is something deeper at play?In this episode, I dive into the unspoken anxieties of body image in tango—how age, size, and self-perception shape our experience on the dance floor. I explore the invisible factors that make a dancer magnetic, the surprising ways confidence is built (or broken), and why the most unforgettable tandas have nothing to do with how you look in the mirror.If you’ve ever wondered whether you belong in tango the way you are, this one’s for you.It’s hard to be objective about your own dancing.That’s where I come in. Send me your dance videos through IMSO Tango School Online, and I’ll point out what’s working (and what’s not) with clear, constructive feedback.🎓 Try it free for 30 days—see if it’s right for you → https://imsotango.com/online-schoolChapters:00:00 Body Image and Self-Perception02:34 The Tango Experience and Age02:54 Cultural Influences on Body Image06:16 Shifts in Beauty Standards07:38 The Impact of Tango on Body Image08:44 Navigating Body Image and Self-Perception10:01 The Power of Focus in Dance14:16 Posture and Its Impact on Movement16:24 Facial Expressions and Engagement19:36 Clothing Choices and Body Confidence24:06 Redefining Beauty in DanceSteph’s message📌 Stay Connected & Learn More🌍 Website: **imsotango.com📩 Email: **[email protected]📸 Instagram: **@‌imso_tangoJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!🎶 Free Lesson: 5 Things every dancer should know about tango music: https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/83152

What if the real story of tango isn’t just in the milonga, but in the battle between generations, between rock and roll and bandoneóns, between what we inherit and what we create?In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Oliver Kolker to talk about his latest film, Tuve el Corazón, a story where tango and rock collide in 1970s Buenos Aires. We dive into why tango almost disappeared during that time, how music carries the weight of history, and why every great film about tango is really a film about life itself.Musicality isn’t just about stepping on the beat—it’s about knowing how to listen and respond. IMSO Tango School Online gives you a clear, structured way to learn phrasing, rhythm, and movement, so you don’t have to guess.🎓 Try it free for 30 days—see if it’s right for you → https://imsotango.com/online-schoolLA Workshops with Oliver and Film Screening April 11-12 at Argentine Association: https://www.facebook.com/events/9268691769844329/Names Oliver mentions in the interview:- Tango & Film Figures:🔹 Guillermo (El Peque) Barrionuevo – acclaimed tango dancer and performer: https://www.instagram.com/guille_peque_barrio/🔹 Miguel Ángel Zotto – A pivotal figure in the tango revival of the 1980s, he co-founded Tango x 2 and has influenced countless dancers worldwide: https://www.instagram.com/guille_peque_barrio/🔹 Mariano Romero – A well-known tango DJ from Buenos Aires🔹 Art Fortuna and Luisa Zini – Long-time tango organizers in Portland, Oregon🔹 Héctor Alterio – Celebrated Argentine actor, starred in Fermín🔹 Chino Laborde – A tango singer and actor, played the main character in Tuve el Corazón: https://www.instagram.com/chinolabordeok/🔹 Lisandro Adrover – A bandoneon player, composer, and musical director best known for his work on Forever Tango, one of the most successful tango stage productions to tour worldwide.🔹 Horacio Godoy – Highly respected tango DJ, historian, and dancer from Buenos Aires.- Music & Cultural Figures🔹 Mel Tillis – An American country music singer and songwriter famous for overcoming a stutter in his speech while being able to sing flawlessly.🔹 Karina "La Princesita" – a popular Argentine cumbia singer kariprinceoficial https://www.instagram.com/kariprinceoficial/🔹 Fito Páez – one of Argentina’s most influential rock musicians, known for his poetic lyrics and fusion of rock with other musical styles.🔹 Charly García – A legendary Argentine rock musician and composer, widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in Latin American rock history.- Movies & TV🔹 Nueve Reinas (Nine Queens) – A critically acclaimed 2000 Argentine crime film about two con artists in Buenos Aires. It’s considered one of the best Argentine films ever made, known for its sharp storytelling and unexpected twists.🔹 Grande Pa – an Argentine TV show from the 1990s, centered around a widowed father raising his children. It became a cultural phenomenon and is remembered as a classic in Argentine television history.📌 Stay Connected & Learn More🌍 Website: **imsotango.com📩 Email: **[email protected]📸 Instagram: **@‌imso_tangoJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!

You walk into the milonga, scan the room, and instantly sense it—the unspoken social order. There’s the group of dancers who seem to know everyone, who never sit out a tanda. And then there’s you, trying to figure out how to get into the mix.Tango isn’t just about dancing; it’s about navigating a social world with its own hidden rules. In this episode, I break down the realities of tango’s social hierarchy—why it exists, how it shapes your experience, and what you can actually do to build your status in a way that feels natural (without resorting to social climbing).If you’ve ever felt like an outsider at a milonga, wondered why certain dancers get all the cabeceos, or struggled to find your place in the scene, this one’s for you.🌀 Want to build confidence in your dancing so you naturally attract more cabeceos? Musicality is a huge part of it. IMSO Tango School Online helps you understand the music so you can dance with clarity and confidence.🎓 Try it free for 14 days—see if it’s right for you → https://my.marvelouspages.com/imsotango/imso-tango-school-online📌 Stay Connected & Learn More🌍 Website: **imsotango.com📩 Email: **[email protected]📸 Instagram: **@‌imso_tangoJoin my Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!🎶 Curated Tango Playlists: https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/70580