By Anne Das
Ipoh saw a different kind of gathering last Saturday night. No emcees, no speeches, no frills. Just music, movement, and a room full of people who came together for the sheer joy of dancing. Argentine Tango Ipoh (ATI) marked its first anniversary with Milonga Secreta, a celebration that felt more like an old-world house party than a formal do.
Held at Palm Tree Atrium Villa, the evening flowed with quiet elegance. Guests arrived in everything from slinky dresses to relaxed suits, mingling over welcome drinks and warm introductions. The music set the tone. Slow, steady, inviting. Before long, conversations turned into embraces and the dance floor filled with ‘tandas’ and smiles.
For those who do not know, a milonga is a social dance gathering in Argentine tango culture. It is not a performance or a show. It is where dancers come together to share music and movement. Quietly, intuitively, without an audience. Just two people, one dance at a time.
The name Milonga Secreta captures the understated beauty of tango. It is not loud or dramatic. It is something you feel and connect. Almost like a conversation that does not need words.
Over the past 12 months, ATI has nurtured two active groups of learners. One meets weekly in Taman Botani under a local instructor Vincent Teh who has been dancing the Argentine tango for 10 years. The other gathers in the city centre every two weeks, guided by KL-based tango instructor Christopher Gan.
“We started because we wanted to offer something real,” said Stephanie Loo, who leads ATI in Ipoh. “Not just about steps or routines, but a way of connecting. You don’t have to be young, or experienced, or even know how to dance. You just have to be open.”
The theme Milonga Secreta captured the feel of the night. Intimate, warm, and slightly tucked away. Guests came in from Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and even as far as Australia and Canada. The ATI Penang branch turned out in full support, adding to the evening’s layered sense of community and shared rhythm.
Dinner was hearty and unfussy. A spread of grilled mains, pasta, mushroom soup, and delicious sides kept the energy up and the mood grounded. It was the kind of meal that brought people together without trying too hard.
And then, the dancing began.
There were no performances or applause breaks. Just pair after pair gliding, turning, pausing. Moving in ways that felt completely personal, yet quietly in sync with the room.
“Argentine Tango is about listening with your whole body,” Stephanie explained. “You don’t have to say anything. You just feel and connect with your partner.”
The man teaching ATI’s city centre group is Christopher Gan, a choreographer, performer, and artistic director with more than 18 years of Argentine tango experience. He has trained under tango masters in Argentina, performed with live orchestras, and choreographed tango scenes for Malaysia’s first heist film.
He now brings that global experience to ATI in a way that is grounded, accessible, and fun.
“He keeps things light,” one dancer said. “You learn, you laugh, and before you know it, you’re on the floor, dancing.”
Also spotted on the floor was Michael Onn, 68, a full-time dance teacher with over 35 years of experience. Dressed in a cream suit with red shoes, Michael was hard to miss and impossible not to admire. A familiar name in Malaysia’s Latin and ballroom circles, he moved with the kind of ease that only comes with decades of rhythm.
ATI offers a social approach to tango, where the emphasis is on connection, not perfection. Over the past year, it has become a welcoming space for people to meet, move, and share something meaningful through dance. Looking ahead, ATI plans to grow organically, with regular classes, monthly milongas, and more opportunities for Ipohites to experience the magic of tango.
The night wound down the same way it began. Gently. No speeches, no big send-offs. Just hugs, quiet goodbyes, and plans to meet again soon.
Interested in Learning Tango in Ipoh?
Argentine Tango Ipoh holds:
- Weekly classes in Taman Botani (local instructor)
- Fortnightly city centre classes with Christopher Gan (KL-based)
- Monthly milongas in central Ipoh
WhatsApp Stephanie at 012-311 6237 and Follow Argentine Tango Ipoh (ATI) on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/8262543983801753/ for more updates.
