Published on April 27, 2009 - The sensual notes of a bandoneón fill the air as a couple moves quietly to the dance floor. He moves forward, adelante. She steps back, atrás. Others soon follow suit, and two by two, they come together, spinning and swirling and teasing and flirting until the wee hours of the morning.
And as North America’s tango capital, Montréal is a master at hosting milongas. Whether at Dancing Mocha Jo on the Plateau or under the stars at Saint-Viateur Park, evenings of Argentinean tango open up to beginner and seasoned dancers. And for nine nights straight, they flock by thousands to catch dazzling performances by Argentinean tango dancers and renowned orchestras as part of the Montréal International Tango Festival.
But Montréal’s dance floors aren’t only the territory of tango lovers. The city is also celebrated for its sizzling Latin nights, to the delight of hip-swiveling salsa dancers. As a matter of fact, the tropical rhythms of cumbia, mambo, bachata and other beats are just the thing to keep the ambiance sunny. Speaking of sun, we’re hoping it shines all summer long, especially on Salsafolie Sundays at the Peel Basin, where salsa lovers come to sway.
Elsewhere in the city, there’s swing going on at Studio 88, folkloric dance atop Mount Royal and Brazilian samba and percussion at Les Bobards bar on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. At the end of May, don’t miss the Le Grand Continental on Émery Street as part of the Festival TransAmériques. This gigantic line dance, composed of 60 professional and amateur dancers, moves to the intoxicating rhythms of tango, waltz, cha-cha, merengue, rock and disco. We can’t wait to watch them conquer the street!
Whatever rhythm moves you, Montréal definitely has a dance party waiting…
Tango under the stars
Montréal International Tango Festival
Salsafolie Sunday
Danses plein-air
Festival TransAmérique
