DANCE REVOLUTION

Learn to tango in Miami, where the Argentinean dance is on its way to becoming the hottest step in town.

SALSA NEEDS TO MAKE SOME ROOM ON THE DANCE FLOOR- TANGO IS SWEEPING INTO MIAMI IN FULL FORCE.

BY ALEXANDRA P. KARPLUS

The room's dimmed lights and dark wooden walls are a far cry from the pastel hues of the buildings on Ocean Drive. There is nothing Art Deco about the calming fireplace, and Miami's ever-popular salsa music is not blasting out of these speakers. On Tuesday nights at Amadeus Bar at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami, it's tango that provides a seductive and sensual beat.

Monica Llobet is the one responsible for transforming this hotel bar into a distinctive Argentine milonga. Draped in white linen and decorated with glowing candles, it's a step up from the bare versions of typical tango-dancing halls of Buenos Aires.

Llobet, a Miami native who is formally trained in ballroom dancing, acquired a passion for tango at 20 years old. She has made several trips to Argentina, where her interest and skill developed while she worked with local dancers. "They kind of took me under their wings, and I was able to get into the whole underground world of tango," she says.

Six years later, Llobet has won three world championships and started one of Miami's most successful milongas. Friends from her days abroad frequently stop by. "We always open up the floor to fellow artists, and they share their demonstrations," she says.

While tango is making a name for itself, locals are still more accustomed to salsa. So what's the difference between these two styles? Michelle Payer, the area director of public relations at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, says, "Even from the way you stand on your feet, it's entirely different. You are standing on the balls of your feet for salsa and on the heels for tango."

Also unlike salsa, where improvisation is a key element, tango is all about the choreography. A dancer with experience in other genres would still be ill prepared to step on the floor without taking a class first. A strong partner is not enough, either-it does take two to tango, after all.

Tango is dominated by strides that can be compared to walking. The rhythm fluctuates between slow and sensual steps to fast twists and sudden snaps. It's often credited for being the most romantic in the world. "It seems like when you dance, you are [seducing] the person-there are a lot of feelings," says Alicia Repun, an instructor originally from Buenos Aires.

Repun teaches with her husband, Pablo, who followed her to Miami after she took a few of his classes in Buenos Aires. Upon entering one of their Saturday sessions, which take place at the American Czech-Slovak Cultural Club, first-time students may think it's a couples-only class. With legs locking and bodies twisting, it's hard to believe that many of these people have only just met.

Novices may also seek the help of long-time resident Sylvia Navas, a prominent figure in South Florida's ever-growing Argentine-American community. The self-proclaimed "tango fanatic" created Tangoinsouthflorida. com, which posts what's happening in the local tango world. She has watched the scene "continue to grow and get bigger."

There is no disputing that Latin music beats strongly in Miami. The real debate now is how to move to it. Because while salsa isn't going away, you can be assured there is ample room for sultry, tango-dancing couples on the city's countless dance floors.

Dancing Days

MONDAY TAPAS Y TINTOS

www.tapasytintos.com; 8:30pm; $10 classes

TUESDAY AMADEUS BAR

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami www.ritzcarlton.com; 9pm; $10

WEDNESDAY STAR BALLROOM

Pompano Beach, fl (35 miles from Miami) www.starballroominc.com; 8pm; $15

THURSDAY MIAMI CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY

The Seacoast Suites www.miamicontemporarydance.net; 8:30pm; $18

FRIDAY SHALL WE DANCE STUDIO

Deerfield Beach, fl (41 miles from Miami) www.shallwedancefl.net; 7:30pm; $15

SATURDAY AMERICAN CZECH-SLOVAK CULTURAL CLUB

North Miami www.pablorepuntango.com; 10pm; $10