I apologize - I forgot to subscribe to this thread so only now saw the response to my question - thank you NYCtango.

I'm seriously considering taking a few tango lessons in NYC before heading down to BsAs. I don't learn fast enough to feel comfortable with a single free lesson at a Milonga - I'll just be pissed off at myself for tripping over my feet. Tango friends recommended Empire Studio and Robin Thomas.

I could go to a Milonga in BsAs on Sat, Sun or Mon nights - any recommendations either in NYC or in Buenos Aires?