Tango at Eastern Market

Who knew you could dance at this historic location? Everyone knows about the flea market and actual market, but I think few know about the Tango lessons here on Thursdays and First Saturday Tango. If you want to just see what it’s like, then just put on some comfy clothes or get all dressed up and try it out.
The class can get pretty full, but really, don’t feel intimidated. There are plenty of beginners that show up, you will get a surprising amount of personal attention from the instructors and some of their help. Chances are that you’ll run into people as we did, and I’m sorry for that. Some folks don’t mind that, but some others get really annoyed. That’s not a reflection of the Tango at Eastern Market, but rather on them. While I’m sure we could be a little more graceful, it’s a beginner class. Just chill out for an hour.
Erin J (see other review) is my fiancée, and we’ve been to a few of these. There are some really good dancers there, and there are some people with two left feet. You get plenty of time to dance and practice. It’s so much fun. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping partners with a random person at some point. It’ll give you a different view on the steps. There are the basic steps and then the advanced steps like the ocho.
There are few places that you can get this instruction for such a low price (around $ 10). They have water, fruit and chocolate on a table if you want to grab a quick little bite.
Definitely try this out. Get out of your comfort zone and stop being so self conscious. Go dance, have a good time and live. Maybe we’ll see you there!

My fiancé and I are trying to get as much (affordable) dance practice in before the big day, and the First Saturday Tango lesson could not have been a better fit.
Although the class was full, we were able to learn the basic steps and received a lot of individual attention from the instructor and his team. We took the beginner class and danced through the practice hour. Even though the floor was a bit crowded and we kept running into other couples (our tango navigation needs some work), most everyone was friendly.
After the class we ducked across the street for a drink to rest our feet before returning to watch the more seasoned dancers during the Milonga. We’ll be back for their Thursday classes for sure.
First Saturday Schedule
7:30−8 pm Warm Up
8 – 9 pm — Beginner Class
9 – 10 pm — Supervised Practica
10:00 pm — Milonga

Take tango lessons or just go and dance at historic Eastern Market’s north end. On Thursday nights at 9ish, the $ 12 cover includes dancing, wine, chocolate and other goodies. A dj (playing mostly traditional tango music) and rotating instructors keep things lively. The building is a little chilly in winter and can be blazing hot in summer. Most people are nice, and the majority are experienced dancers.
I have been more than 10 times and recommend.
More:
Classes are $ 10 each.
Basics class, 7−8pm.
Intermediate class, 8−9pm.
Advanced/​Experienced class, 8−9pm.
MILONGA 9pm-​1am. The regular Milonga, with its accompanying food and drink, is $ 12, unless you take the class, in which case the milonga is $ 10.
Organizer:
or Bill Griffiths, 240−372−5134.
Free Parking in the neighborhood; pretty easy to find a spot.
Directions: Eastern Market Metro: exit the metro and cross Pennsylvania Avenue; walk two blocks north on 7^th St. S.E. Cross C St. and it is at the end of the long brick market on the left, across from Tunnicliff’s. Near Independence at 7^th, SE.