Imagine if tango and salsa had a secret love affair… and their child grew up in Brazil. That’s forró. A dance that blends the intimacy of tango with the playful turns of salsa—plus a little Brazilian warmth and spontaneity.

This week, I sit down with Rafael Piccolotto to explore how Forró evolved, how it compares to tango, and why dance cultures develop such specific rules (like cabeceo vs. straight-up asking someone to dance). Spoiler: forró dancers might find tango etiquette terrifying. 😅

See a forró demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqA-zRTjOpU

👉 Learn more about forró:

Online: https://www.forronewyork.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/forronewyork

Instagram: @‌forronewyork

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rafael and Forró Dance

01:53 The Origins and History of Forró

04:40 Musical Influences and Instrumentation in Forró

07:18 Evolution of Forró Dance

09:51 Comparing Forró to Other Partner Dances

12:22 Dance Floor Dynamics in Forró

14:52 Cultural Etiquette in Forró and Tango

17:24 Dancer Preferences and Styles in Forró

21:55 The Art of Capaseo in Dance

23:59 Understanding Dance Dynamics and Tandas

26:27 Navigating the Tango Scene as a Beginner

29:44 The Challenges of Attracting New Dancers

33:05 The Structure of Dance Levels and Social Dynamics

37:40 The Growth of Forró and Its Community

39:46 Technique Over Charisma in Dance

40:23 The Critical Eye of Followers

40:39 Flirting and Connection in Dance

42:07 Cultural Differences in Dance Scenes

44:02 Gender Roles and Balance in Forró

44:56 The Future of Forró and Online Learning

45:06 Exploring Forró Scenes in Brazil and Beyond

📌 Stay Connected & Learn More

🌍 Website: imsotango.com

📩 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @‌imso_tango

💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!

🎶 Curated Tango Playlists: https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/70580

Tango dancers can be a little…sensitive. Not because they’re dramatic, but because the milonga has its own set of unspoken rules—and it’s easy to break them without even realizing it.

In this episode, I’m talking about the small things that can unintentionally offend people in tango, why these things matter more than you’d expect, and how understanding them can help you feel more at ease on the dance floor.

💬 Have you ever accidentally offended someone in tango—or been offended yourself? Share your stories in the comments, or message me on Instagram @‌imso_tango.

📌 Stay Connected & Learn More:

🌍 Website: imsotango.com
📩 Email: [email protected]
📸 Instagram: @‌imso_tango

💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!

🎶 Curated Tango Playlists: https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/70580

In this episode, I sit down with Eve Katzen to unpack the myths, realities, and surprises of traveling to Buenos Aires for tango. From the "forbidden" floral dresses to the chaos of late-night milongas, we dig into the unspoken rules, what’s changed over the years, and what you really need to know before booking your ticket.

We talk aboutsafety, fashion, floorcraft (or lack of it), and the energy of dancing in the city that breathes tango. Plus, Eve shares her biggest lessons from the trip—including what she’ll do differently next time.

If you’ve been to Buenos Aires, what surprised you the most? If you haven’t, what’s the one thing you’d want to know before going? Let’s banter—drop your thoughts below!

LINKS:

WhatsApp Tango Group:https://chat.whatsapp.com/KnkKrjQ8mkYBZZ6FxzCina

Hoy milonga:https://www.hoy-milonga.com/buenos-aires/en

Muy Lunes/Muy Martes Milonga:https://www.instagram.com/muylunestango_muymartestango/

Tango Vida Guide:https://tangovida.org/

Clothing store:https://onel-tango.com/

Cobbler:https://www.instagram.com/ortopediasanjose/

📌 Stay Connected & Learn More

Join my private FaceBook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld

🌍Website:imsotango.com
📩Email:[email protected]
📸Instagram:@‌imso_tango

💬 Have questions? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram!

🎶Curated Tango Playlists:https://imsotango.namastream.com/product/70580

*Intro/Outro Music courtesy of La Santa Calavera: “Un Día Nos Veremos”https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ekzhqyp6d4CpdNqp6Wh3W

In this episode, I reflect on the idea of talent—what it really means, how it shapes our journey as dancers, and whether it’s as important as we think. Inspired by a listener’s message, I share my own struggles with feeling “untalented” in the arts and how that mindset carried over when I started tango.

We explore the myths around talent, the role of hard work, and why some people seem to progress effortlessly while others feel like they’re always grinding.

Let’s banter about it! What’s your take on talent vs. hard work in tango? Drop a comment and share your thoughts.

Viva Mexico Tango Festival: https://vivamexicotangofestival.com/

Join my private FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld

Questions/comments? Reach out to me⁣⁣⁣⁣

Web: imsotango.com⁣

Email: [email protected]⁣⁣⁣⁣

Instagram @‌imso_tango

*Music courtesy of La Santa Calavera: “Un Día Nos Veremos” https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ekzhqyp6d4CpdNqp6Wh3W

In this episode, I chat with Rita Berenshteyn about her journey from ballroom to tango and what it was like navigating the transition. We dive into the quirks of ballroom culture, the challenges of adapting to tango’s rules and techniques, and the moments that made her fall in love with the dance.

Along the way, we explore what makes tango so addictive and why it’s unlike any other dance. Whether you’re curious about ballroom or reflecting on your own tango beginnings, this conversation has a little something for everyone.

Join my private FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld

Questions/comments? Reach out to me⁣⁣⁣⁣

Web: imsotango.com⁣

Email: [email protected]⁣⁣⁣⁣

Instagram @‌imso_tango

*Music courtesy of La Santa Calavera: “Un Día Nos Veremos” https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ekzhqyp6d4CpdNqp6Wh3W

This episode dives into a tricky but common topic in the tango world: why advanced dancers often say no to beginners. We explore the underlying dynamics of these decisions, unpacking everything from technique and etiquette to floor craft and musicality.

Along the way, we reflect on the challenges beginners face, the unspoken "rules" advanced dancers consider, and what both sides can do to bridge the gap.

Join my private FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld

Questions/comments? Reach out to me⁣⁣⁣⁣

Web: imsotango.com⁣

Email: [email protected]⁣⁣⁣⁣

Instagram @‌imso_tango

*Music courtesy of La Santa Calavera: “Un Día Nos Veremos” https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ekzhqyp6d4CpdNqp6Wh3W

What would you change about tango in the New Year? 2024 brought some curious trends to the social tango scene, and in this episode, we dive into the ones we’d gladly cancel. From musical experiments to questionable etiquette at the milonga, we reflect on the quirks of tango that sparked our biggest debates this year.

What’s on your cancel list for 2025? Let us know in the comments!

00:00 Tango Trends of 2024: A Year in Review

2:20 4 Vals Tandas

13:14 Gangster Cabeceo: The Shift in Tango Etiquette

20:24 The Seat Dilemma: Navigating Milonga Seating Etiquette

24:48 Long Announcements: A Growing Concern in Tango Events

28:11 Square Layouts: The Dance Floor Dilemma

32:34 Performance Length: Finding the Right Balance

Join my private FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld

Questions/comments? Reach out to me⁣⁣⁣⁣

Web: imsotango.com⁣

Email: [email protected]⁣⁣⁣⁣

Instagram @‌imso_tango

*Music courtesy of La Santa Calavera: “Un Día Nos Veremos” https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ekzhqyp6d4CpdNqp6Wh3W

Today Alex and I dive deep into The Tango Lesson (1997), Sally Potter's polarizing exploration of tango and artistic expression. From dissecting its surreal, dreamlike sequences to debating its portrayal of gender dynamics and power struggles, we leave no stone unturned. Is it a masterpiece of arthouse cinema or a frustrating watch with outdated aesthetics?

We break down the film's symbolism, performances, and impact on the tango community—past and present. If you've seen The Tango Lesson or are curious about its legacy, this episode is for you!

Join my private FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld

Questions/comments? Reach out to me⁣⁣⁣⁣

Web: imsotango.com⁣

Email: [email protected]⁣⁣⁣⁣

Instagram @‌imso_tango

*Music courtesy of La Santa Calavera: “Un Día Nos Veremos” https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ekzhqyp6d4CpdNqp6Wh3W

Have you ever been caught in the whirlwind of conflicting advice from tango teachers, each one claiming to hold the ultimate truth? In this reflective episode, we explore how the diverse styles of tango—Milonguero, Salon, and Nuevo—shape not only our movement but also the way we think about learning and growing as dancers.

Through personal stories and insights, this episode dives into the beauty, complexity, and evolving nature of tango's stylistic paradoxes.

Interview with Chicho Frumboli and Fabian Salas: https://youtu.be/VOar8W0e1jQ

Milonguero: https://youtu.be/c2-Ze5R03G8

Salon: https://youtu.be/C5gijWfvH0M

Nuevo: https://youtu.be/y14qkYaG1CY

Viva Mexico Tango Festival: https://vivamexicotangofestival.com/

Join my private FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld

Questions/comments? Reach out to me⁣⁣⁣⁣

Web: imsotango.com⁣

Email: [email protected]⁣⁣⁣⁣

Instagram @‌imso_tango

*Music courtesy of La Santa Calavera: “Un Día Nos Veremos” https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ekzhqyp6d4CpdNqp6Wh3W

What happens when a social dancer steps into the world of competitive tango? In this episode, I reflect on my decision to compete again and how it’s shaped my perspective on tango—both socially and creatively.

Inspired by a podcast conversation with Carlitos Espinosa, I dive into the contradictions of competitive and social tango, the challenges that push us to grow, and why embracing discomfort can be a surprising gift.

030tango Episode with Carlitos Espinoza and Agustina Piaggio: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3OyXbKrnH26dHebuyu0dMQ?si=_-neuuYSRzC6SG41zxcSSQ&t=1369

Southern California Tango Championship: https://socaltangochampionship.com/

SoCal YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@southerncaliforniatangocha2802

Join my private FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sotangoworld

Questions/comments? Reach out to me⁣⁣⁣⁣

Web: imsotango.com⁣

Email: [email protected]⁣⁣⁣⁣

Instagram @‌imso_tango

*Music courtesy of La Santa Calavera: “Un Día Nos Veremos” https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ekzhqyp6d4CpdNqp6Wh3W