Tango at el El Viejo Almacén
Nestled away on a corner where Independencia street, crosses one of San Telmo’s picturesque cobbled streets, stands El Viejo Almacén, one of Buenos Aires’ most traditional tango venues. It’s location in Buenos Aires’ oldest neighbourhood, combined with the rich history of its building and the owners commitment to – and passion for – traditional tango, makes this the perfect place, for those tourists travelling to Buenos Aires wanting to enjoy an authentic, intimate night at a tango show in Buenos Aires.
The building, which houses the popular tango venue today, was built back in the 18thcentury. Since then it went from being a warehouse (hence its name El Viejo Almacén, which means The Old Warehouse), to a national customs office and even a hospital in the 1940’s. At one point the building was bought by a Russian immigrant, who was a great lover of tango and Buenos Aires’ bohemian popular music scene. Eventually in 1969 it was transformed into the “temple of tango” it is today, playing an important role in Buenos Aires’ tango scene. So much so that in 1982 El Viejo Almacénwas declared an official site of cultural interest, by the Buenos Aires City council.
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| The two corner houses that make up the restaurant and the beutiful tango theatre. |
A tango showis on every tourist list of things to do in Buenos Aires. And with so many to choose from it can be hard to decide which tango house to go for, but when it comes down to it, it’s all really a matter of personal taste.
Due to El Viejo Almacén’s small and traditional setting, a tango show in its premises is a really intimate and enjoyable experience. Again, this depends on your personal preferences; There’s tourists who would prefer a more Broadway like tango extravaganza in a large theatre, much like the tango show at Señor Tango, which rightly so, are hugely popular.
El Viejo Almacén however takes a more traditional approach and are more committed to staying faithful to the culture of traditional Buenos Aires tango and its history.
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| Mouthwatering chicken main course at El Viejo Almacen’s Restaurant. |
If you book a Tango Dinnner Show at El Viejo Almacén you’ll be sure to experience a complete, extremely enjoyable, Buenos Aires night out. Before the show you sit down to enjoy a delicious three course meal in their dining room, which lies across the street from the actual tango venue. The cuisine is delicious and offers a choice of three starters, main courses and desserts with vegetarian, meat and fish options. After sitting back, enjoying dinner and a complementary bottle of wine, the guests are led across the cobbled lane to the quaint, beautiful tango venue.
First there is a short presentation on the interesting past of the historic building itself and its connection to the Buenos Aires tango scene. Then the lights are dimmed and an orchestra of five takes to the small stage. The intimate orchestra is brilliant and being such a small venue, wherever you are seated you feel like you’re up close to the action, with great views and acoustics.
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| The talented and intimate orchestra on stage. |
The show is about an hour and a half long and it is beautiful! The tango performances vary in style, ranging from traditional tango to modern more acrobatic versions. The performances take you through the history of Buenos Aires tango, with a male and female singer taking to the stage between dances, belting out some classic tango songs. There is also a short interval where folkloric dancers show their impressive skills and perform live with traditional instruments.
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| Incredibly skilled tango dancers at El Viejo Almacén. |
The tango showis a delight! The program is diverse and you’ll have your eyes glued to the stage the entire time. And being in such an intimate space, you’ll feel like you’re part of the show; Close enough to see the sequins on the tango dancers stunning dresses and follow their precise, smooth moves and marvel at the musicians skills…All coming together to a beautiful Buenos Aires tango experience!
If you wish to book a ticket to a tango show at El Viejo Almacén click here, if you wish to include dinner, click here. For information on Buenos Aires tango shows visit our website, and browse through other review in our BsAs4u blog.
