Well, they came and went, in a matter of little more than a month. Marcos Questa’s and Ruta Maria’s La Viruta Milonga in Beverly Hills (co-hosted with L.A.’s Yolanda Rossi) was a promising venue that offered an upscale experience, with a nightclub feel. However, they made the announcement this past Monday before the farewell milonga for Romina Levin and Claudio Villagra that the club would be closing for renovations during the summer.
Located at the posh Aqua Lounge Club on Beverly Drive, one entered by going down long stairs to a reception area that opened to a dark lounge, with comfortable sofas, tables and chairs in the center, and three dance areas (two really, one was a small stage that a couple could overtake). The floor on one side was made out of wooden planks that were kind of rough, but still danceable. The other side, separated by a bar, had a smoother wooden floor, which was surrounded by curve shaped couches against the walls, where one could sit and relax, watching the other dancers. In a third, main room, the middle contained sofas and chair, as well as tables, where you could sit, drink, chat and relax. There’s also a wooden walkway down one side, that goes past another sitting area.
The price was reasonable, $12 included a class, entrance to the milonga as well as a drink ticket.
Ruta wrote that they do plan to come back after the work is done, but in fickle L.A., it is not known if dancers will return. Hopefully they will, and they can continue with this classy, friendly milonga.
