[Tango-L] Milonga Codes

[Stephen.P.Brown@dal.frb.org]

Previously I wrote:
"I don't think it makes much sense for an organizer or a group of 
community
leaders to impose a set of rules on those attending milongas.  People go
to milongas to have fun dancing tango, not to have a bunch of rules
imposed on them,..."

I recognize that in Buenos Aires, the organizers don't make the codes of 
behavior for milongas.  The codigos were established a long time ago, 
those codigos help create a smooth running milonga where everyone can 
enjoy dancing.  The failure to observe these codes typically comes from 
ignorance or a lack of caring.  As someone who participates in the 
organization of milongas and deejays on a regular basis, I understand the 
desire to help people understand the codes and ensure that milongas are 
run as smoothly as possible.

Those teaching tango have an obligation to teach the codes as way to help 
their students participate successfully in milongas.  Community FAQs and 
etiquette lists also may be helpful.  What I don't think will work very 
well is a milonga organizer distributing *and* enforcing a formal set of 
rules.

With best regards,
Steve