Days till we dance:
Queen City Tango Marathon
January 16th-20th, 2025
Passes are $155 per person and include a long weekend full of dancing and fun!
After December 31, the marathon pass price will increase to $205 per person for the weekend.
Please use this link for our special event rate of $134 per night. This rate is good for 2 days prior & one day after the marathon if you wish to lengthen your visit to Charlotte.
***You must reserve a room before January 5th in order to secure a discounted rate!***
Location
Hilton Charlotte University Place
Click here to access exclusive deals on your hotel rate for the event.
Discounted room rates only apply to reservations made before January 5th!
8629 J. M. Keynes Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina 28262, United States
Schedule
| Queen City Tango Marathon, 2025 | ||||
| Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 | 7:00p- 10:00p | Check In at Registration in the University Ballroom | ||
| 10:00p- 2:00a | Welcome Milonga w/DJ James Oh | |||
| Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 | ||||
| 11:30a- 12:30p | Chacarerra Class, (complimentary) University Ballroom | |||
| 1:00p- 5:00p | Alternative Milonga w/DJ John Singletary | |||
| 8:00p- 12:00a | Evening Milonga w/DJ Vania Rey | |||
| 12:00a | Special Guest – Grisha Nisnevich | |||
| 12:00a- 4:00a | Late Night Milonga w/DJ Don Xello | |||
| Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 | ||||
| 11:30a- 12:30p | Chacarerra Class, (complimentary) University Ballroom | |||
| 1:00p- 5:00p | Alternative/Nuevo Milonga w/DJ Terry Eso | |||
| 8:00p- 12:00a | Evening Milonga w/DJ Milton Gallo | |||
| 12:00a | Special Guest – Grisha Nisnevich | |||
| 12:00a- 4:00a | Late Night Milonga w/DJ Shahin Medghalchi | |||
| Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 | ||||
| 1:00p- 2:00p | Exploring the Music of Argentine Tango: A Workshop | |||
| 1:00p- 5:00p | Milonga w/DJ DimOn | |||
| 8:00p- 12:00p | Evening Milonga w/DJ Mark Mindel | |||
| 12:00a- 4:00a | Late Night Milonga w/DJ Kimberly Scola | |||
| Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 | ||||
| 12:00p- 4:00p | Farewell Milonga w/DJ Karen Jaffe | |||
* Saturday Evening Milonga’s theme will be the color pink
Workshop
The Soundscapes of Tango
Speed and Pitch: Gain insights into adjusting digitized tango treasures. Perfect speed for perfect sound – learn how to get it right.
Where Tango Meets Technology: A talk for DJs and music lovers who want to dive deep into the frequency spectrum of tango instruments and understand how to create the optimal sound.
Practical and Theory-Driven: Learn how to not only hear sound quality but also understand it. A must for anyone who loves tango and wants to master the art of equalizing.
Adapting on the fly: Room temperature and crowd size can make or break your sound. Learn how to adapt your EQ for any event.
Special Guest – Grisha Nisnevich
About Grisha Nisnevich
Grisha Nisnevich is a dynamic force in the Tango and Guitar world, celebrated as a distinguished Tango instructor, musician, lecturer, and DJ. With an active touring schedule, he dazzles audiences at Tango shows worldwide and offers both group and private classes that leave participants inspired. His mastery extends to performing classical and tango music on the guitar, and he is renowned for his signature Concert-Lecture and Interactive Mixer on the “Structure of Tango Music.”
As a concert-level guitarist, Grisha performs at formal and private concerts, house parties, as well as music for other events. His style includes Flamenco, Spanish, South American, Baroque & Renaissance, Jazz, and popular music.
Grisha’s impressive achievements include numerous wins and finalist positions in Classical Guitar and Argentine Tango competitions. He is particularly famous for his extraordinary ability to dance while playing the guitar, a skill that sets him apart in the industry. As the founder of “Contrapunto Tango” and “Soccer Tango,” Grisha continues to innovate and captivate.
Grisha DJs in numerous international Tango events. His style of DJing is Traditional, Romantic, as well as according to the Tonalities and Contrast (like concert programs) in order to keep the attention of the audience. Grisha frequently adds to his DJed events with live guitar tandas for dancers.
“Contrapunto Tango” is an inventive fusion of counterpoint—a technique from classical music—with the movements and techniques of tango dance. This concept allows dancers to maintain their own rhythmic and stylistic individuality while creating a harmonious and intricate dance, adding a new dimension of dynamic interplay and sophisticated coordination between partners.
“Soccer Tango” offers a playful yet sophisticated twist on traditional tango, appealing to fans of both dance and sports. This unique approach blends the athleticism and agility of soccer with the rhythm and passion of tango. Incorporating soccer-inspired movements into tango choreography, “Soccer Tango” enhances the physical dynamism and interactive engagement between partners and with all surrounding dancers.
DJs
*****
James Oh
Every dancer who’s crazy about tango wants a DJ who can match their crazy with devotion to tango music. If you’re that kind of crazy, then James “el locOH” is your kind of DJ. As the name implies, James is certifiable. Not only will he mastermind an exquisite playlist, he’ll also toil over his impressive collection of remastered tunes searching for the winning track, and engineer every detail of the sound quality to get you lost in the music. And don’t let his perfectly-crafted D’Arienzo and Biagi tandas fool you, James always has his pulse on the dancefloor and will expertly balance mood and melody to satisfy all of your Golden Age desires. Bring your most padded shoes to this milonga, because when James is spinning you won’t be able to leave the ronda.
*****
John Singletary
John Singletary, native of Durham, North Carolina, welcomes all levels of dancers to his milongas and practicas, filled with classic tandas, thematic cortinas, and fun! His expertise transcends music mixing: John is a connoisseur of the tango experience, with over 18 years of dancing tango under his belt, he brings a depth of understanding to the art of crafting the perfect milonga atmosphere. Having navigated countless dance floors and embraced the nuances of this captivating dance, he has an intuitive grasp of what moves the soul and fills the pista.
His journey through tango began almost two decades ago, and in that time, he has immersed himself in every facet of the dance. From the intimate embrace of the traditional milonga to the deep sounds of modern and nuevo tango, his extensive experience informs every selection he makes. His knowledge of the subtle interplay between music and movement allows him to create a soundscape that resonates with both seasoned dancers and newcomers alike.
In addition to DJing, John has helped many enter tango by advocating for local and regional tango events by performing, teaching, and talking about the diverse tango community. He has demonstrated non-verbal communication for TEDx, been on stage with other community tango leaders for the International Festival and other performances, and hosts many visiting instructors and dancers. He also works with dancers of many genres throughout NC as a certified massage therapist, helping reclaim movement and lessen pain through specialized massage therapy.
John’s mustache speaks for itself.
*****
Mark Mindel
My Tango journey began in 2011 when I first heard the music at a friends’ house. The Golden Era music had me from the start, and was what actually what drew me into tango. I began Djing our own small milongas & local practica’s in 2015. Since that time, the love of tango music has lead to collaboration with Tango Tunes – Christian Xello, a respectable 6th place overall in the 2019 Remolino Tango DJ competition, Tango Celebration in Bruges Belgium, Maja and Marko workshop weekend in Florida ,San Miguel Tango Festival Mexico, the Portland Tango Festival, Milonga Del Barrio in New York, and many tango events throughout the US and Southeast. I enjoy playing music that beckons dancers to the floor tanda after tanda, and I look forward to seeing & feeling the flow of energy within a milonga and tango weekend. It is a beautiful thing to share this love of tango music.
*****
Kimberly Scola
Tango found Kim in 2012, and she quickly became fascinated by the music. After receiving encouragement from Cleveland organizers and DJs, she started working in her own community. Along her DJ journey, she trained with Hernán Prieto and Susana Miller, which greatly influenced her technique and style. She works consistently as a regular host in Cleveland and guest DJ throughout North America. Kim’s style is best characterized as one that creates a positive, upbeat vibe with a focus on the subtle beauty and diversity of the music. Her mission is to play inspiring, trustworthy sets so that you can dance your best tandas.
*****
Terry Eso
Terry Eso is an Alternative Tango DJ. Although he loves traditional tango music, he LOOOVES alternative tango music. The selections he chooses are hot, rhythmic, soulful, fun, and truly danceable.
He hails from New York, where he has rocked the house at:
Sarah LaRocca’s The All Night Milonga,
Adam and Ciko’s Mala Leche,
Olga and Alex’s Speakeasy Milonga
and Kelly Ray’s Buttonwood Alternative Milonga (PA).
Terry was one of the DJs for Zoe Lechucita’s alternative tango event at Candlelight Milonga, in North Carolina. There, he became enamored with the dancers of this area. They are skillful dancers who are friendly, creative, and open to new experiences! Terry had the honor of DJing the Queen City Tango Marathon in 2019 and 2023. The awesome hosts, Mark and Kim Mindel, provided such an outstanding atmosphere (and floor!) that neither the performers, the DJs, or the dancers wanted to miss a beat of the music.
THIS event will be no different.
Don’t miss a beat…
Esooo! :^)
*****
Milton Gallo
Milton “El Gallo” is not your typical DJ. He is a true professional who embodies exuberance, romanticism, mischievous charm, technical finesse, dynamic artistry, and the ability to weave magic into every event moment. He aims to forge deep connections with the audience, carefully curating songs, tandas, and cortinas to set the perfect mood. Expect a balanced assortment of musical flavors and anticipate a meticulously crafted musical journey that will inspire, keep you dancing, and leave you thoroughly satisfied.
Based in Boston, he holds the esteemed title of resident DJ of the ever-popular Milonga Nueva and his music has resonated throughout the United States, Canada and a little bit into Europe as well!
*****
Shahin Medghalchi
Shahin has been a tango DJ since 2001and the founder of La Milonga Leona in Santa Fe, NM.
LaMilongaLeona is a tango teacher since 2003, a Tanguera since 1995, and a dancer her entire life. She has an immense love for golden era tango music and through the years of it’s evolution. She creates tandas familiar to all levels of tangueros/milongueros to keep them on the dance floor with joy, and forgetting about time. She DJs regularly at the milongas and other tango events, locally, nationally and internationally.
https://www.thetangohousesf.com/
*****
DimOn
DimOn started taking tango lessons in 2013. Shortly after that, his background in music, sound engineering, and love of tango, led him to becoming a tango DJ. DimOn has DJed at over 100 tango events and milongas in New-York City and New-Jersey, receiving frequent compliments on his music selection and sequencing. He is always searching for danceable, uplifting, and stimulating music for his extensive library, avoiding bland or overplayed melodies. His tandas are appealing, well formed, and with high quality sound. To keep dancers engaged, DimOn plays a balance of traditional, contemporary, and some nuevo music. He believes that cortinas are also important in creating the mood, so his cortinas are hopping and distinctly different from tango tunes. He is also an avid alpine skier and enjoys dancing and skiing with his wife Alla.
*****
Vania Rey
Vania began DJing tango in 2008 in NYC, and over the years she has witnessed a constant evolution both in her musical preferences and in her DJ style. A tango teacher since 2002, her greatest strength as a DJ has been to stay conscious of that development, because it permits her to relate to and play for dancers with wide spread of experience and skill levels. Aside from hosting/DJing a monthly milonga in Austin, TX, she travels regularly to teach and DJ tango around the world, thus far having had the opportunity to play for dancers in over 50 cities on 3 continents, including in Buenos Aires.
*****
Don Xello
Christian Xell, also known as Don Xello, embraced Tango in 2004 and has been enthralled by it ever since. By 2005, he had already organized his first Milongas in Vienna at the Galeria Ideal, a venue that still exists today and has become the largest regular Milonga in Austria. He first visited Buenos Aires in 2008, leading to longer stays in the city over time. In 2012, frustrated by the poor music quality at Milongas worldwide, Don Xello began collecting Tango records. Soon after, he was offered his first collection of shellac Tango recordings, which he purchased. In 2013, he founded TangoTunes, a label dedicated to high-quality transfers of Tango shellac records. TangoTunes is now the world’s largest provider of argentine tango music. While the label acquired numerous Tango collections, many were from lesser-known dance orchestras, valuable historically but not often played at Milongas. These lesser-known collections didn’t gain much attention commercially or from TangoTunes, so in 2021, the establishment of a Tango Argentino Foundation was decided upon and formally completed in 2023. This foundation will focus on areas not covered by TangoTunes, such as digitizing records from artists like Corsini, Magali, Firpo, and many others. Additionally, it supports contemporary Argentine Tango artists with infrastructure and funding.
*****
Karen Jaffe
Karen Jaffe lives near Asheville, NC. In her 25+ years of Tango she has supported dancers and communities through offering countless classes and social dances along with organizing dozens of full weekend events with exceptional guest teachers. She travels extensively to continue her own education and to teach, DJ and perform. In her many years of study with numerous masters she continues to evolve both as a dancer and a teacher. She is known for her skilled, engaging, and musical dancing in both roles, and for her easygoing, fun and playful energy. She is currently on break from touring the US with her Argentine partner Tate Di Chiazza.
Karen began DJing early on her Tango journey and from 2006-2015 played music for her weekly milonga in downtown Asheville as well as many events around the region. She strives to create a stimulating and emotional journey for the dancers, encouraging them to go deeper in their connection with both their partner and the music, for a richer, more quality experience. Her vast exploration of both traditional and alternative music, over many years, allows her a great range of possibilities to create an environment for optimal enjoyment!
www.tangogypsies.com
Visiting Instructors
*****
Anna Leon & Cristian Bravo
Our Mission:
Is to be able to transmit the identity of Argentine Tango. It’s a dance that relates us, a dance that is expressed socially and theatrically, connecting us directly in an embrace, and breaking the limits of all social barriers.
About Us:
We are dancers and teachers of Argentine tango. Our combined experience of more than 30 years of professionally teaching and performing all over the world allows us to offer a comprehensive education.
Over his 31-year tango journey, Cristian has placed and won championships, danced in countless shows, taught tango salon, stage, and master classes all over the world and in prominent schools in Buenos Aires.
Anna blends elements of golden era tango teaching techniques with more contemporary views of the lead-and-follow relationship. Forever a student of the dance, Anna has studied under many teachers. She has taught and performed in cities across North America from Los Angeles to Montreal.
*First place ATUSA 2023 Vals, Second place ATUSA 2023 Milonga, 1st place in all professional categories in Las Vegas Tango Championship 2023
*****
Kayla Broom- Chacarerra
Kayla began her Argentine tango studies in 2005 at the age of 10. While simultaneously training in other genres such as ballet, jazz, and various Latin dances, she quickly found her passion within tango. Throughout her career, Kayla has had the pleasure of teaching and performing in many different milongas, festivals, marathons, private events and concerts along the East Coast with various outstanding partners. Some of these events include Latino Americano Festival of Charlotte, Spoleto Tango Festival, Pittsburgh Tango Marathon, Columbia Tango Marathon, XV Gala 2022, Festival Colombia Internacional 2022, What A Wonderful World with Ensemble Eclectica, Charlotte International Arts Festival, Queen City Tango Marathon and many more.
Kayla is based in Charlotte, NC sharing her passion for this beautiful dance through classes, workshops, private lessons, various events and performances. For the social tango dancer, she encourages adaptive, sensitive, mindful techniques to be used within the embrace and on the dance floor.
*****
Shahin Medghalchi
Shahin has been a tango DJ since 2001and the founder of La Milonga Leona in Santa Fe, NM.
LaMilongaLeona is a tango teacher since 2003, a Tanguera since 1995, and a dancer her entire life. She has an immense love for golden era tango music and through the years of it’s evolution. She creates tandas familiar to all levels of tangueros/milongueros to keep them on the dance floor with joy, and forgetting about time. She DJs regularly at the milongas and other tango events, locally, nationally and internationally.
https://www.thetangohousesf.com/
*****
Vania Rey
Vania began DJing tango in 2008 in NYC, and over the years she has witnessed a constant evolution both in her musical preferences and in her DJ style. A tango teacher since 2002, her greatest strength as a DJ has been to stay conscious of that development, because it permits her to relate to and play for dancers with wide spread of experience and skill levels. Aside from hosting/DJing a monthly milonga in Austin, TX, she travels regularly to teach and DJ tango around the world, thus far having had the opportunity to play for dancers in over 50 cities on 3 continents, including in Buenos Aires.
*****
Karen Jaffe
Karen Jaffe lives near Asheville, NC. In her 25+ years of Tango she has supported dancers and communities through offering countless classes and social dances along with organizing dozens of full weekend events with exceptional guest teachers. She travels extensively to continue her own education and to teach, DJ and perform. In her many years of study with numerous masters she continues to evolve both as a dancer and a teacher. She is known for her skilled, engaging, and musical dancing in both roles, and for her easygoing, fun and playful energy. She is currently on break from touring the US with her Argentine partner Tate Di Chiazza.
Karen began DJing early on her Tango journey and from 2006-2015 played music for her weekly milonga in downtown Asheville as well as many events around the region. She strives to create a stimulating and emotional journey for the dancers, encouraging them to go deeper in their connection with both their partner and the music, for a richer, more quality experience. Her vast exploration of both traditional and alternative music, over many years, allows her a great range of possibilities to create an environment for optimal enjoyment!
www.tangogypsies.com
Vendors
*****
Natalia Kansburg- Ambiente
One of a kind clothes designed for dancers by dancer!
At the heart of Ambiente’s mission lies the concept of repurposing the discarded, damaged, and unwearable garments and fabric remnants as well as vintage finds to create a line of classic style clothing that is unique and environmentally friendly. “Reimagine, Recycle, Reuse” has become the motto of Ambiente, which means “environment” in Spanish.
Natalia uses her sewing and design skills combined with her love and knowledge of vintage fashion to create a line of versatile dance wear that is flattering to all shapes and sizes. As an experienced stylist she can find something in her collection that will accentuate the innate beauty of every one of her clients.
In addition to her stock collection, she specializes in custom designs and alterations.
*****
TangoTana
TangoTana is the exclusive distributor of the superb Entonces, Made in Italy. Beautifully crafted for shock absorption Entonces T-Shoes are stunning and extremely stable. They will keep you dance beautifully tanda after tanda. The shoes come in narrow, regular, wide, and all heel heights. Simona Perra-Jones will be in the house to help you find your perfect fit. Please visit TANGOTANA.COM
*****
Mariposa Tango Boutique
Mariposa Tango Boutique is here to bring exclusive designs of current tango fashion direct from Buenos Aires, Argentina. All the clothes are hand made by the best artisans of their trade.
Many are one of a kind designs and prints. We collaborate with the hottest tango fashion designers to create clothing lines that are fit for all ages and body types. We also proudly bring you a wide selection of some of the most comfortable and high-quality tango shoes from around the world.
With our hands on the pulse of tango fashion trends in Buenos Aires and the specific needs of our customers in North America and around the globe, we’ve created a unique tango shopping experience that will meet all your needs and desires.
*****
Anna Bello – AB Thai Bodywork
AB Thai Bodywork honors Northern Style Thai traditions of “Nuad Bo-Rarn” that use a slow, gentle approach incorporating deep compression, stretching, rocking, tapping, and many other techniques to relax and realign the fascial tissue layer of the body.
Thai bodywork is often associated with structural massage styles such as sports and deep tissue, but is extremely relaxing and meditative, making it accessible to all. The client is fully clothed in loose, warm clothing that allows the bodyworker to move the client around freely on a mat on the floor.
Anna has been studying Thai bodywork for 10 years. She recently returned from Chiang Mai, Thailand where she studied for 2 months. It was her second visit. AB Thai Bodywork is offering Thai bodywork sessions and yoga at QCTM 2024.
NC LMBT #11902
SC LMT #8866
@abeethaibodywork
*****
Kayla Broom- Massage
Kayla began her Argentine tango studies in 2005 at the age of 10. While simultaneously training in other genres such as ballet, jazz, and various Latin dances, she quickly found her passion within tango. Throughout her career, Kayla has had the pleasure of teaching and performing in many different milongas, festivals, marathons, private events and concerts along the East Coast with various outstanding partners. Some of these events include Latino Americano Festival of Charlotte, Spoleto Tango Festival, Pittsburgh Tango Marathon, Columbia Tango Marathon, XV Gala 2022, Festival Colombia Internacional 2022, What A Wonderful World with Ensemble Eclectica, Charlotte International Arts Festival, Queen City Tango Marathon and many more.
Kayla is based in Charlotte, NC sharing her passion for this beautiful dance through classes, workshops, private lessons, various events and performances. For the social tango dancer, she encourages adaptive, sensitive, mindful techniques to be used within the embrace and on the dance floor.
*****
Natalia Moroz – Artwork
Artwork
*****
Winged Lion Jewelery
Natalia Moroz and Sergey Zhiboedov met and began their creative collaboration while studying at the Institute of Fine Arts (Tashkent, Uzbekistan). After moving to the US in 1995, Sergey learned jewelry model making and began working at New York City’s Diamond District. Eventually settling in Charlotte, NC, Sergey and Natalia started designing and making jewelry inspired by art, history, and nature. At the marathon, they’ll present a collection of beautiful pendants, earrings, rings, and accessories made of precious metals and genuine gemstones.
Etsy shop: etsy.com/shop/wingedlion
Website: szjewelrydesign.com/
Instagram: instagram.com/wingedlionjewelry/
About Your Hosts
Kim and I started dancing tango in 2011 and have not looked back since that first lesson. All our best friends are tango dancers, and many are like family to us.
Kim’s professional life has been in banking and accounting, while Mark works in TV, films and theatre in props construction.
Personal interests outside of tango. Kim is an avid gardener and collector of all plants. She lives in her garden and only sleeps in the house. Mark is a designer and builder of many things. When an opportunity arose, Mark met the challenge and designed and built their custom and portable tango dance floor. His creativity did not stop there, Mark also built a custom sound system that includes speakers with superior sound.
Tango is truly a family affair with their children and grandchildren helping at the Queen City Tango Marathon and Queen City Tango Festival. Mark and Kim also strive to create a place where all who come to the marathon and festival feel welcome. Everyone can come to dance and relax in a safe environment, knowing that all aspects of the weekend have been considered from the convenience and price points of the hotel to the late-night snacks. With every Queen City Tango Marathon and Festival we continue to add new touches. We strive to bring the best dance instructors and dj’s from around the US and the globe.
Kim and I hope that you will consider joining the Queen City Tango Family. See you on the dance floor!
Big Hugs,
Register
Waiver and Release
I am aware that the event will be held in person and, on behalf of myself, my heirs, successors, assigns, and personal representatives, I agree to hold the members of the Queen City Tango Marathon and staff & Hilton Hotel (together referred to as “Organizer”) harmless and agree to discharge, release, or waive any claim of liability or damages for any injury, physical or emotional, that I might suffer as a result of my participating in the Queen City Tango Marathon. This waiver specifically includes but is not limited to the remote possibility that I may contract COVID-19 or any variant of COVID-19 while participating at the event, or other injuries related to this event whether specifically dance related or otherwise. Should any claim be brought by me against Organizer for liability and/or damages resulting from my participation in this event, I will be responsible for paying Organizer’s reasonable attorney fees and cost for having to defend against such action.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
A full refund will be available to anyone to cancels before December 1st. a 50% refund will be available to anyone who cancels before January 1st.
No refunds will be issued after December 31st. On January 1st the price of a pass will increase by $50, totaling $205.
By clicking the button below and going to the purchase page, I hereby acknowledge and agree to all of the above terms relating to QCTM and its organizers.