[TANGO-L] NA-W: Admission prices

[JFPaloma @AOL.COM]

Here in L.A. on Saturday nights at El Encuentro we offer much more than
"light snacks" for the $14 admission.  We prepare a beautiful buffet table (with
flowers and candles) and platters of vegetables, fruits, cheeses, an assortment
of crackers and chips, 3 or 4 kinds of dips, olives, nuts.  Sometimes we put
out chicken wings or taquitos or mini-quiches.  For those with a sweet tooth we
have a special area with a variety of cookies, cakes, candies.  We provide
plenty of juice, soft drinks, wine and beer.  There is no limit to how much one
can eat or drink (although there have been times when we wanted to politely
inform some people that the food was meant for everyone and not meant to be a
replacement for dinner).  We set up the dance area with lovely table cloths and
candles and romantic lighting.  Since our milonga is on a Saturday night, we
make every effort to make our guests feel that it is a special night out.   And
yet, it never ceases to amaze us that occasionally there are those who are
outraged that we charge $14.  Even though our rent had been increased three
times in the years we have had El Encuentro, we never passed the increase onto our
guests but finally this last February when the rent was increased again, we
needed help so we went from $12 to $14.  Since I'm the one at the door, when
people complain I always ask them (with a smile) where else can they go in Los
Angeles to dance until 2 or 3 am and eat and drink to their hearts content for
that price?   After a moment's thought, they usually pay the admission with a
smile in return.
Our hats are off to everyone who organizes a milonga, no matter what the
charge, no matter how big or small, because we know how much work it is and what a
tremendous commitment it is of time and effort.

El Encuentro
4633 Van Nuys Blvd,
Sherman Oaks, CA
(818) 997-9419 or (818) 758-9167