[Tango-L] Gricel

[Pat Petronio]

Certainly I must agree with Debbie's and Sergio's descriptions of behaviour on the dancefloor, at least in the traditional milongas of Buenos Aires. In the 10 years I have been visiting Buenos Aires and dancing in those wonderful venues, adherence to the codes of the milonga have been fundamental in ensuring that everyone can have a good time, without interfering with others. 

However, I feel I should say that the one and only fight I ever witnessed at a milonga (last year) took place coincidentally at Gricel.  And yes, "loud yelling and fists" were involved. Definitely not a "lively and vivacious conversation", in fact it was rather ugly. The men had to be physically restrained, thus disrupting all the dancers for a while. And of course, the incident had a noticeable dampening effect on the mood of the milonga that night. The gentlemen in question were locals, one with a regular table in a prime position next to the pista. I feel this unusual incident didn't reflect so much on Gricel, because it was such an exception to the rule, but simply illustrated the fact that porteños are fallible human beings, too.

Warm regards,

Patricia Petronio
Tango Salón Adelaide
www.tangosalonadelaide.blogspot.com