In dieser kleinen informellen Umfrage werden die verschiedenen individuellen Perspektiven des „Milonga-Raums“ beleuchtet. Da nicht alle der Befragten Deutsch sprechen werden die Fragen auf englisch gestellt.
#06 VAN HAI NGUYEN (Vietnam)
1. Why do you go to a Milonga?
If you had asked me this question back in my Berlin days, I would have said that I love the social aspect of a Milonga. But it’s also the hope—the hope that the next Milonga will bring back that magical feeling you once experienced while dancing.
Since moving to Da Nang, Vietnam, my motivation has changed. The Tango community here is small, and every single dancer who shows up makes a difference. More often than not, I have to push myself to go to a Milonga, just to help fill the room with one more dancer.
2. In short, what are the three most important factors for a good Milonga?
– a varied selection of music. I tend to prefer melodic Tangos
– friendly dancers—they don’t have to be great, just pleasant to dance with
– some snacks to nibble on between dances
3. How do you define „good Milonga“?
About ten years ago, I was lucky enough to attend a Milonga at Villa Kreuzberg. A DJ from Buenos Aires was playing. His music was different from what most DJs in Berlin played. But what truly stood out was the way he introduced each Tanda—it created such a festive atmosphere that swept me away.
I don’t necessarily have to dance well myself. Sometimes, it’s enough just to watch great dancers, to be inspired by them.
4. In short, what are the three things that you do not want to experience at a Milonga?
– dancers with bad manners
– music that just drifts along without energy
– physical altercations
5. How do you choose who you dance with at a Milonga?
Being a technically good dancer isn’t the most important thing for me. What matters more is whether I find someone likable and whether she is genuinely curious to dance with me.
6. What are your thoughts on open role dancing at a Milonga?
I rarely dance as a follower, but when I do, it’s mainly to experience Tango from a different technical perspective and perhaps to become more aware of my own weaknesses as a leader.
7. Do you have a special memory of a Milonga that you want to share?
The “Kottbuser Tor Hit & Run Milonga” that you organized—this must have been twelve years ago. With an absolutely phenomenal live orchestra! I still rave about it, and I’ve told the story countless times here in Vietnam.
8. How do you see your role at a Milonga?
To support the Tango community here in Da Nang, my hometown since five years.
*) Who are you and what drives you?
In 2010, I moved to Berlin after quitting what I once thought was my dream job. It wasn’t the life I had envisioned for myself. Little did I know that Tango, which I discovered in Berlin, would have such a profoundly positive impact on my life.