Tango y Cultura Popular ® English Edition TyCP Special | Page 42

Milonga bureaucrats
In Tango’s topmost point, back in the 40s and 50s, most
dances were carried out in local clubhouses, with large
dance floors and music; which was in charge of two
orchestras: the typical, and the jazz or “característica”
was played live. So, even though Tango was the main
attraction, people danced everything. And this was so, not
only in Buenos Aires, also in many other towns and cities.
Since there were poor amplifying systems the bands had
several members for music to be heard. These Dances
were real popular celebrations.
People used to improvise dance meetings at home, using
the “dancing” music played on radio shows.
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