Argentine tango by Bay Area Maestros

Milonga is a lively Argentine dance, known for its playful energy and quick, syncopated steps. Unlike the slow elegance of tango, it embraces a spirited cadence, inviting joyful spontaneity. The close embrace deepens the connection between partners, while the dance celebrates improvisation and creative flair.

Oct 19th and Oct 26th

Ryan and Rena began their tango journey in 2013, collaborating in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2014. Despite living apart, they refined their skills independently before reuniting in Buenos Aires and California in 2022. Finalists and 3rd place winners in the Milonga category at ATUSA 2024, they now host "La Cadencia Tango" at Wild & the Barre Studio in Redwood City, offering personalized instruction every Sunday. They've also been guest teachers for the Stanford Tango Club's Winter Series.

Nov 2nd and Nov 9th

James Kang is a multiple time championship finalist and prize holder, and a teacher with deep knowledge of tango techniques and body awareness

Nov 16th and Nov 23rd

Karn Verma began dancing at age 7, inspired by Michael Jackson's Dangerous album, later expanding to Salsa, Bachata, and over a dozen dance forms. His passion for Argentine tango took root in 2015, deepened by learning with artists like Pablo Verón in Buenos Aires and Rome. He’s also been inspired by U.S. Argentine tango pioneer Richard Powers at Stanford, enriching his knowledge. A seasoned performer and teacher, Karn integrates meditation into his teaching, focusing on authenticity and connection. Through his school Feeling Flow, he promotes dance as a path to self-discovery and growth.

Argentine tango blends connection, musicality, and improvisation, challenging dancers to master technique and emotional nuance. Join our six-week series on intermediate combinations, taught by Bay Area maestros. The final class, led by the founder of Feeling Flow, will bring together the lessons and explore "Flow" to enhance your artistry and fluidity.

Oct 19th

Glenn, based in San Francisco, teaches tango with a focus on mastering the basics and encouraging improvisation from the first class. With over 27 years of experience, he has studied with Argentine masters and performed in stage productions, commercials, and events. Glenn’s classes are fun, filled with humor, and make learning enjoyable. He also plays bass in a local tango quartet and quintet and has been a DJ and organizer of Bay Area milongas for over 20 years.

Oct 26th

Lisette, an accomplished dancer and teacher, began her training in gymnastics at age 5 and has since mastered various dance forms, including Argentine Tango. With over 17 years in the film industry and a Lotus award for Best PSA Commercial, she has also performed and choreographed for stage, TV, and film, including starring in tango films like "Tango Fatal." She trained extensively in Buenos Aires with renowned tango masters and has taught across the U.S. and internationally. Lisette currently teaches in the Bay Area, hosts the popular Milonga Rubia, and is known for her elegant dancing and patient teaching, focusing on technique, connection, and beautifying movement.

Nov 2nd

Andrea Monti and Adrian Durso, professional tango dancers from Buenos Aires, have 30 years of experience teaching and performing, with 10 years as a successful tango couple. Renowned for their strong connection, musicality, technique, and footwork, they have significantly contributed to tango communities worldwide, in Argentina and throughout the USA, especially in California. Their instruction is clear, challenging, and personalized, fostering a relaxed learning environment. They’ve performed at major venues and events across the SF Bay Area and beyond, and are the founders and directors of ATUSA, the Argentine Tango USA Official Championship & Festival. They have also served as judges at the prestigious Tango Mundial, the Tango World Cup. Based in the South Bay, they continue to work with passion and dedication.

Nov 9th

Christy Cote is one of the most respected teachers of Argentine Tango in the U.S. today with 29 years of experience. Her popular Boot Camps have introduced hundreds of new Tangueros to the dance over the years. Her teaching method has been published by DanceVision and is accompanied by a series of instructional videos. Christy is a founding member to Tango Con*Fusión the all female Tango performance group. Her annual tours to Buenos Aires where she teaches at the International Tango Congress (CITA) have guided many dancers to the mecca of Argentine tango for the past 25 years. Christy is based in San Francisco where she teaches at the La Pista Tango School and offers special workshops at other Bay Area venues, around the U.S. and in Buenos Aires.

Nov 16th

Nora Olivera has been dancing Argentine Tango since 1973 and teaching regularly in the Bay Area since 1990. She organized Tango Tours to Buenos Aires for 20 years and hosted the popular “La Milonga de Nora” until 2020. In 1998, she launched Nora’s Tango Week, becoming the first Argentinian—and the first woman—to organize, direct, and produce a Tango festival, bringing the best Maestros of Argentine Tango to the U.S. for 23 years. As a performer, teacher, impresario, and charter member of the BATango Association, Nora has been a true pioneer of Argentine Tango in the United States

Nov 23rd

Karn Verma began dancing at age 7, inspired by Michael Jackson's Dangerous album, later expanding to Salsa, Bachata, and over a dozen dance forms. His passion for Argentine tango took root in 2015, deepened by learning with artists like Pablo Verón in Buenos Aires and Rome. He’s also been inspired by U.S. Argentine tango pioneer Richard Powers at Stanford, enriching his knowledge. A seasoned performer and teacher, Karn integrates meditation into his teaching, focusing on presence, authenticity and connection. Through his school Feeling Flow, he promotes dance as a path to self-discovery and growth.

Tea & Tango offers a welcoming space with two rooms for all skill levels and embrace styles. Dancers can explore music from the Golden Era to Tango Nuevo and Contemporary Tango. It's beginner-friendly, helping newcomers prepare for milongas while advanced dancers refine their skills. The event also features an art exhibit, authentic pu erh tea from Yunnan, and snacks. Live music performances on select weeks add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Oakland-based guitarist and arranger Scott O’Day is a member of the contemporary tango music scene. He is the artistic director of the acclaimed Scott O’Day Tango Trio. Regularly performing worldwide, he is also the director of the San Francisco Community Music Center Tango Ensemble, which serves as an incubator program for the Bay Area tango music scene.

Crystie Shum, piano, born in Hong Kong, rediscovered her passion for piano in 2017, immersing herself in Argentine tango. Under the guidance of renowned maestros like Hector Del Curto and Pablo Estigarribia, she honed her skills. Notable performances include the Stowe Tango Music Festival and concerts in Buenos Aires with Nacho Piana. Currently, she's active in groups like the Alex Roitman Tango Ensemble and Orquesta Tipica Domo

Cuarteto ¡Ahora, Sí! is a dynamic tango ensemble featuring Sarah Wu (violin), Crystie Shum (piano), Ken Miller (double bass), and Alexander Zeyliger (vocals/bandoneon). Sarah, a Bay Area native, developed her classical and tango violin skills at Reed College. Crystie Shum, born in Hong Kong, returned to piano in 2017, studied with renowned tango maestros like Pablo Estigarribia, and performs with several local and out-of-town groups including Alex Roitman Tango Ensemble. Ken, a versatile bassist, has played with the SF Symphony and collaborated with top jazz musicians. Alexander, originally from Leningrad, has been a tango dancer for over 20 years and now also plays tango music. All musicians are regular members of Orquesta Típica Domo.