Argentine Tango is a hobby for me, something I enjoy, so I spend time and money for instruction and attending dances. Like any hobby you can spend little or as much as you like. If you dance tango regularly there are some recurring costs that you can budget and keep your tango dancing affordable.

To improve your tango skills, you will need to take weekly classes and have some practice time. Fortunately, I lived in large enough city where one can choose from among several good tango instructors.

The instructors in our area have various rates for group classes and private instruction. Weekly group classes are usually $8 – $15 per hour and often include some guided practice time as a bonus. Hourly private instruction usually runs from $50 to $75 or more for a single or couple. Many Tango instructors offer discounts if you agree to a series of private lessons or pre-pay.

During my years of dancing tango, I have seen some financially secure tango beginners start taking private lessons right away. Some of these same students after a few lessons of private instruction are off to Argentina to take lessons and dance with the Argentineans.  They will have a good adventure, but will probably not learn to dance Argentine Tango well.

It seems some people have more money than sense as it takes time and practice to refine the coordination required to dance tango well. Weekly group instruction is the best way to learn tango and if one has the financial resources, compliment the group instruction with private lessons.

While enjoying my Argentine Tango hobby, I try to spend less than $75 per month.  I pay a modest amount of $40 per month for group tango instruction and practice time from a part-time tango teacher.  Milonga entrance fees of $5 – $10 usually also include some snacks and beverages. Entrance fees can double at special events with guest tango instructors or musicians.

Though I spend very modest amounts on my Argentine Tango hobby, there is no limit one can spend to dance tango. Once you have a good foundation in Argentine Tango, many tango dancers participate in special tango events and festivals.  They regularly attend tango events in the area, across the state, in other U.S. states or even internationally. For them, Argentine Tango is more than a hobby, it is a passion.