What is a tanda?
A tanda is a collection of 3-5 songs, usually played by the same orchestra from a given era. In a typical milonga in Buenos Aires and many places around the world, music is played in tandas of tangos, valses and milongas. Traditionally, people will dance the entire tanda with the same partner. Not finishing the tanda with a partner is considered an insult in many places.
What is a cortina?
A cortina (translation: curtains, as in a curtain on a stage) is usually a short piece of non-tango music that is usually not danceable. The cortina indicates that the tanda has come to a close. It is also a cue for the gentleman to escort the lady to her table.
Why is it better to play music in tandas? (In sets of 3 -5 songs)
Argentine tango is about dancing a feeling, and each orchestra has its own feeling. Playing the music in sets by orchestra gives the dancers the opportunity to find and then dance the feeling of that particular orchestra. Also, it allows you to choose your partner to fit the music. Dancing to a sequence in a set lets you get to know and appreciate the subtlety of the lead/follow of your partner in your search for that special feeling.
