Learning the tango in Buenos Aires is a must for tourists, but a gender imbalance at milongas often leaves women without a partner. The solution has been "taxi dancers."

Tourists hire these professional dance partners to guarantee a night on the floor, creating a new scene in the city's legendary tango community.

Antje Rickel rests her head against her partner’s temple as they glide across the floor. Although the 69-year-old Frenchwoman is taller and older than the young dancer, they move in perfect harmony. Rikel is attending a session at "Che Che Tango Premium," where she enjoys two hours of non-stop dancing with hired professionals known as "taxi dancers."

Rickel has attended these events for over a year to avoid the frustration of traditional milongas, where women far outnumber men.

Beth Wolff, a German-Argentine dancer, also takes advantage of the new system.

"If they are young girls, they get picked. If you belong to certain groups, you get picked. If you're a foreigner, you also get picked," Wolff said. "However, for those of us who are locals and won't get anything out of it, like a class or being taken out for coffee, etc., we are left out."

The concept of intimate sessions with taxi dancers is growing. Organized by Alejandro Justiniano and Sara Parnigoni, the event ensures women don't spend the night sitting and waiting. Instead, 14 women rotate among 14 elegant male dancers to the rhythm of tango. The cost is approximately $37 for foreigners and $30 for residents.

Justiniano created the project after seeing women left out at other venues. He employs professionals and teachers who can adapt to any partner. Dancer Jared Ramos notes that because there are often "ten women for every man" in big dance halls, these private sessions are vital for women who want to practice.

AP Video by Victor R. Caivano