My Two Cents on Music Selection

Music is undeniably one of the pillars of a successful milonga, standing alongside a welcoming atmosphere and an engaged, well-trained crowd. For me, great music is the heartbeat of the dance—it stirs emotion, guides movement and inspires creativity. No matter how ideal other elements may be, without the right music, the essence of a truly fulfilling milonga remains elusive.

Regrettably, the music at our milongas does not always meet high standards. Too often, DJs opt for less compelling tracks while leaving true gems buried in their archives. I’ve heard arguments that dancers crave novelty—that they grow weary of dancing to the same old pieces again and again, and that they would rather take risks than be bored. While understandable, this mindset fuels the tendency to prioritize innovation at the expense of musical quality.

New or lesser-known tracks can certainly add an element of adventure, but they are not the core preference of most dancers. In practice, people gravitate toward familiar, danceable classics—songs that ignite the desire to dance precisely because dancers know them well. Just as musicians refine their craft through repetition, dancers deepen their connection to music through familiarity. Rather than chasing novelty for its own sake, DJs should strive for a thoughtful balance, introducing occasional surprises while maintaining a strong foundation of high-quality, time-honored classics.

All too often, DJs fall into the trap of personal preference—some favor fast-paced selections, others prefer slower tempos. Some emphasize rhythm, others prioritize melody. Some lean toward vocal pieces, while others avoid them entirely. Some remain strictly traditional, while others push contemporary sounds. In my view, milonga playlists should be rooted in the Golden Age, curated with a mix of tempos, moods, orchestras, eras, and styles to prevent monotony. Occasionally new tracks can be played just to add some freshness. A balanced blend keeps dancers engaged and energized. Most selections should have a comfortable walking pace—neither too fast nor too slow—to best suit tango’s natural flow.

When selecting music for a milonga, danceability should be the top priority. DJs must recognize that not all tango music is suited for dancing. During Argentina's history, between 1955 and 1983, military regimes in Argentina discouraged tango as a social dance, leading to the emergence of tango music designed primarily for listening rather than dancing. These tracks often incorporate erratic rhythms or jazz influences that make them difficult to follow. No matter how innovative or artistically compelling they may be, such songs should be reserved for listening contexts—not the dance floor (see Tango Music and Its Danceability).

The best tango songs, in my opinion, are those that balance contrasting moods. Good tango music is heterosexual rather than homosexual in nature—its rhythm exudes strength, steadiness, and intensity, while its melody conveys sweetness, beauty, and deep sentiment. This contrast mirrors the dynamic of the two sexes in the dance, who in essence are playing music with their bodies. Men and women are different instruments, each with a distinct sound, expressing a different mood. Neither is replaceable, and both are essential to a fulfilling experience. When one mood is missing—either rhythm or melody—the music loses its richness, its expressive gender dynamic, and its emotional depth (see The Characteristics of Classic Tango).

I believe tango, as an intimate dance, is best danced to music that is moving and inspiring. DJs should select songs that are beautiful, soulful, sentimental, and rich in syncopation, avoiding tracks that are emotionally flat, melodically uninspired, or rhythmically monotonous. In reality, truly danceable, high-quality tango tracks are vastly outnumbered by mediocre or undanceable ones. A skilled DJ must have the discernment to recognize this distinction and curate a playlist that ensures only the most evocative, soulful, and danceable tracks set the tone for the milonga.

I firmly believe that only the highest-quality, danceable pieces deserve a place in a milonga playlist—so much so that I remove all unsuitable tracks from my personal collection. The truth is, curating a successful milonga doesn’t require thousands of songs. A three-hour event calls for just 15 tandas—or 60 tracks. By carefully selecting 600 outstanding pieces, a DJ can craft ten full milongas without a single repeat. Quality, not quantity, is what truly matters.

I feel deeply grateful to the DJs who consistently deliver exceptional music—Tine Herrmann, Paul Akmajian, Burak Ozkosem, and Julia Ingram, to name a few. Every time I hear their music, the journey—no matter how far—feels worth it. Sadly, such experiences remain rare. I believe event organizers should set clearer expectations regarding music quality and that DJs should consider making their playlists public. This transparency would allow dancers to make more informed choices and elevate the standards of our dance. I hope, as our tango continues to grow, the music played at our milongas will improve as well, ensuring that wherever we go, we can always enjoy the very best dance experience.