Tango Under The Tent - Chester, New York

Since inception, more and more people interested in learning or dancing Argentine tango have been coming to these Milongas. Dancers have come from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and NYC. A group of interested dancers assembled and decided to continue the event as a year-round venue. While the tent would remain operational during most months, a venue was needed for the very cold months. A place was sought that would be centrally located . The goals became clear. Create a year round forum, maintain a charming ambience, and develop a broader view of tango and tango music.

Arrangements were made with Round Hill House, an elegant mansion set on 12 private, beautifully landscaped acres. The facility is used mostly for elegant catering for all occasions.

“While its Tara-like curbside impression is one of grandness and majestic grace, the feeling upon entering is one of intimacy, the familiarity of going into someone’s beautiful home”. 200 guests can sit comfortably in the dining room. ”The mansion has gorgeous old parlor rooms with fireplaces, porches, decks, pond site and pathways.

It is tastefully decorated with original moldings, hardwood floors throughout, Tuscan colored walls, Tiffany-styled light fixtures, original fireplaces, and a long mahogany bar. Dancing takes place on either a magical 1,600 square foot party space adjoined to the dining room” or on a beautiful wooden dance floor slightly elevated above the main floor.

Round Hill House became the the cold weather venue for “tango under the tent” and will continue until April when the tent returns as the Spring, Summer, and Fall venues. Both locations promote the very elegance of the dance.

Milongas are hosted every Friday night at Round Hill House from 8 P.M. until midnight. Free beginner lessons begin at 7 P.M. A short intermediate or advanced lesson is offered at 9:00 P.M. Occasionally the event changes to a Saturday and or Sunday for very special occasions such as workshops or dinner dances.

When The outdoor tent reopens in April, milongas will be hosted every Saturday evening from 8 P.M. until the last dancers take off their shoes. Occasionally a tango DJ will enchant us with special evenings of music or a well known tango personality will liven our evenings with the passion that is the tango.

The group continues to grow and actively welcomes newcomers. Expert tango instructors are available every week to assist and teach people of all abilities. Many of these instructors teach at nearby studios and offer private or group lessons for anyone want to pursue the dance with more passion.

The important thing about this venue is that it is purely a “not-for-profit” endeavor. Donations are accepted from anyone who attends and several private sources have offered funding for the cultural promotion of Argentine dance. The group puts all of its donations into a “kitty” which it then uses to bring in tango maestros so that participants can be exposed to the best for very small costs.