Days till we dance:
Queen City Tango Marathon
January 15th-19th, 2026
Passes are $185 per person and includes the Chacarera class, a long weekend full of dancing, and fun! After December 31st, the marathon pass price will increase to $235 per person for the weekend.
Sound Engineering Workshops ($35/person for 3 – 2-hour workshops) in the Walden Ballroom
Dissociation In Tango and Foot TLC – You must pre-pay in order to attend the classes! *Each class will be $15 for one hour
They will both be in the university ballroom. Venmo: @Carolyn-Stoklosa-1 or PayPal castoklosa@gmail.com
Ladies Leading Workshops ($10 a person) – Yelizaveta Nersesova in the University Ballroom
Please use this link for our hotel room rate of $145 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 7th 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 | ||||
| 11:00a- 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 1970s decade fashion
Dissociation In Tango and Foot TLC – Classes By Carolyn Stoklosa
You must pre-pay in order to attend the classes!
$15/person each class
Venmo: @Carolyn-Stoklosa-1
PayPal: castoklosa@gmail.com
DISSOCIATION IN TANGO
Would you like your tango to feel more supple and have better connection with your partner? The secret ingredient is how well you rotate your upper and lower body in different directions, called dissociation, and is key for many classic tango movements (think ochos, molinetes, enrosques). In this class I will share the top exercises and stretches to improve trunk rotation (no yoga mat or floor exercises required). We will also do some activities to help you isolate your upper and lower body rotation, making your connection smooth and flawless!
FOOT TLC
Are stiff and sore feet holding you back from dancing all day and all night?? Then this class is for you! Most tango dancers have little awareness how to take care of their feet, but they are the most important body part for tango. This class will start with the basics of foot and ankle biomechanics, and what normal ankle and foot mobility look like. I will show you some simple self-massage techniques, and an effective way to get your foot intrinsics working for balance. And I will show you how to mobilize the joints of your lower leg to help your pivots, improve your knee bending, and improve your technique.
You must pre-pay in order to attend the classes! *Each class will be $15 for one hour.
Venmo: @Carolyn-Stoklosa-1
or PayPal castoklosa@gmail.com
Please pre-pay because there is a minimum attendee requirement for the classes to
proceed. Your payments will be deposited ONLY if there are enough attendees.
Sound Engineering Workshops
$35/person for 3 2-hour Workshops (total of 6 hours)
Target audience
These workshops are intended for DJs, organizers, musicians and dancers with a keen interest in the sound of Argentinian tango music. From identifying a good transfer or a problem in the recording, to investigating the technical challenges from each set of playback circumstances, to understanding options and managing expectations in a live environment, to assessing and optimizing the overall process.
Format / Method
Each workshop will follow the three-act structure model used in narrative fiction that divides a story into three parts, often called the Setup, the Confrontation, and the Resolution. It has been described in different ways by Aelius Donatus (maybe an old relative of Donato :-)) in the fourth century A.D. I have found this approach to structure and stimulate information retention while being both interactive and playful.
The Setup will be a presentation of the qualities, attributes and inner-workings of sound, sound systems or DJ equipment systems as well as the challenges they pose.
The Confrontation introduces distinctive and commonly found case-studies observed in live tango events from a dancer, DJ and sound engineering perspective.
The Resolution aims to find and present suitable solutions to each set of circumstances in an interactive Q&A format.
Special Guest – Orquesta “Meridian Tango”
Meridian Tango Group: A Fusion of Talent and Passion
In the vibrant world of music and dance, the Meridian Tango Group stands as a beacon of fusion, talent, and passion. Established in 2024, this ensemble brings together an eclectic mix of virtuosos from diverse backgrounds, each contributing their unique flair to the enchanting world of Tango.
At the helm of this musical journey is Yulia Zhukof, whose career epitomizes dedication and artistry. Originating from Saint Petersburg, Russia, Yulia’s musical odyssey began at the tender age of six, igniting a lifelong love affair with music. Her prowess on the cello has graced stages across continents, earning her accolades and admiration worldwide. However, it was during her tenure at Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music that Yulia’s artistic trajectory took a transformative turn. Introduced to the mesmerizing world of Argentine Tango, she embarked on a new chapter, infusing her classical training with the passion and rhythm of this captivating dance form.
Joining Yulia is Viktor Kosh, a distinguished clarinetist hailing from Ukraine. With a Doctor of Arts degree in clarinet performance from the Prokofiev Donetsk Music Academy, Viktor’s expertise has reverberated through theaters and concert halls across the globe. From his tenure as the principal clarinetist in Donetsk to his ventures in China, Viktor’s musical journey brings depth and richness to the Meridian Tango Group.
Complementing Viktor’s melodic prowess is Lana Kosh, a Ukrainian pianist whose virtuosity knows no bounds. With a Doctor of Art and Master in Music Degree in Piano Performance from the Prokofiev Music Academy, Lana’s career has been studded with awards and accolades. From her role as concertmaster in academic singing to her tenure in China’s bustling music scene, Lana’s passion for piano shines through in every note.
Rounding out the ensemble is Javier Sanchez, a master of the bandoneón with roots deeply entrenched in the heart of Buenos Aires. With over three decades of experience, Javier brings the soul and rhythm of Argentina to the forefront. From his tenure with renowned tango orchestras to his solo recitals in the Carolinas, Javier’s musical prowess adds depth and authenticity to the Meridian Tango Group.
Together, these four virtuosos unite under the banner of the Meridian Tango Group, weaving a tapestry of sound and movement that transcends borders and captivates audiences worldwide. With unwavering dedication, consummate artistry, and a shared passion for Tango, they continue to push the boundaries of musical expression, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and dance.
DJs
*****
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.
*****
Jae Youn
Jae is the founder of Tango Utopia in the greater Raleigh/Durham area. She is recognized as one of the premier teachers, dancers and DJ’s as well as the organizer of the monthly Milonga Utopia and the weekly practicas.
As a DJ, Jae loves the challenge of keeping dancers on the floor to the very last tanda. Her sensitivity to the energy of a milonga influences her music selection. Her music library is focused on the traditional masters and this is also reflected in her musical choices. She has been invited to DJ at festivals, milongas, marathons and encuentros around the US and Europe.
*****
Eric Heleno
Eric started DJing and begun training as a sound engineer 26 years ago, gaining valuable experience from performing, recording and teaching across all musical genres. For the last 12 years Eric has transitioned all of his professional activities into tango related events, DJing and sound engineering at marathons, encuentros and festivals in over 40 countries across Europe, America and the middle- East.
In the last 7 years he has evolved as a performing dancer and teacher, gaining in the process a greater insight into the wonders of tango arrangements and phrasing.
Tango feels like poetry in motion, it is engaging yet remains elusive until all the layers have been peeled off and the walls have crumbled. It is complex yet accessible through discipline and a shared set of figures, patterns and conventions. It is intoxicating yet wholesome when driven by values of beauty, goodness and growth.
Every milonga feels like a new story unfolding with and within the music, and every dancer a character in that story, like every good story it is written in the now, through careful, studied and opportune selection of each tanda, to reflect every character and nurture every dialogue. As Nietzsche said : “In every Now, being begins”
*****
Carolyn Stoklosa
Carolyn is a dancer’s DJ. Her bold signature style brings a whole new energy to the tango events she has played in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos. She makes popular hits sound fresh and regularly introduces rare gems that delight dancers at a milonga. Carolyn has an intuitive feel for what makes music danceable, owing to her wealth of experience as a seasoned tanguera and former professional ballet dancer.
Carolyn has attended tango events all over the world and brings an international perspective with her each time she DJs. Prepare to dance your feet off during her set at Queen City Tango Marathon!
*****
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.
*****
DK Quinn
Davin has been a tango dancer since 2006, a DJ since 2012, and has been delighting dancers at events with his extensive collection of vinyl tango records since 2017. He has been invited to spin the wax at marathons and festivals in Albuquerque, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Charlotte, Ann Arbor, and Seattle, and has played at vinyl-only tango marathons in Krakow and Warsaw, Poland.
Davin combines classic hits with exciting new material and energetic cortinas to keep the floor full from beginning to end. He is thrilled to be joining the team for Queen City Tango Marathon 2026!
*****
Robin Thomas
When Robin came back from his first trip to Buenos Aires 25 years ago, he realized that if he wanted to continue to dance tango every night, he would have to find a way to attend milongas for free. At the time, the concept of a tango DJ hardly existed. Organizer’s would put on a CD, and often it would repeat to span the length of the milonga. Robin wanted to play music as he had heard it in Buenos Aires: in tandas of tango, vals, and milonga with cortinas in between.
He began to DJ doing exactly that, despite being told not to play cortinas as people would dance to them. Initially some people did dance to the cortinas, but Robin persisted until this format became the standard. Over the next 20 years, he was invited to DJ in D.C., L.A., Denver, Portland, Miami, and some of the biggest festivals in North America, as well as, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Berlin, Seoul, Shanghai and Buenos Aires. Currently Robin co organizes Gallo Ciego and the Tuesday practica in NYC
*****
Natalia Ogirya
If you’ve ever danced to one of Natalya’s sets, you know she doesn’t just play music — she tells a story. With over 17 years in the tango world and a lifelong background in movement and musicality, she approaches DJing with both heart and precision. Her tandas are steeped in tradition yet full of breath, pulse, and surprise — a nod to the golden age, shaped by a dancer’s sensitivity to what the floor needs next.
Based in Central Florida, Natalya teaches and DJs regularly at local milongas, practicas, and community events, and has been invited to spin at the Skybridge Tango Marathon and internationally in Baku. She is the founder of Orlando Tango Club and organizes annual tango weekends that bring dancers together from across the region.
Her DJing is driven by a desire to create a vibrant, welcoming energy on the dance floor — one that invites dancers into deeper connection with the music, with each other, and with the moment.
*****
Yelizaveta Nersesova
Yelizaveta is a tango teacher, DJ, and content creator based in Los Angeles. Yelizaveta hosts The Tango Banter podcast and has been DJing since 2015, with a strategy built around contrast and curation.
Yelizaveta alternates between Guardia Vieja, Milonguero, and Salon-style orchestras so that dancers experience a full range of textures, moods, and phrasing. Think of it like a well-balanced menu: Yelizaveta aims to serve something satisfying for every musical palate.
Whether you crave the deep nostalgia of Canaro, the pulse of D’Arienzo, or the lyrical elegance of Caló, Yelizaveta wants each tanda to spark a new appetite – and keep you dancing. You’ll find Yelizaveta DJing across Southern California and the Pacific Northwest.
Connect with Yelizaveta Instagram: @imso_tango
*****
Daniel Arredondo
Born in San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina, Daniel Arredondo is a passionate artist whose life is devoted to the rhythm of tango and the soul of Argentine culture. Widely credited with introducing authentic Argentine tango to Charlotte, NC in 2000, Daniel has become a cornerstone of the local and regional tango community.
As a DJ, Daniel brings the same depth and sensitivity to his musical selections, curating unforgettable milongas at major tango events nationwide. His sets are known for their dynamic flow, cultural authenticity, and ability to keep dancers engaged and inspired on the dance floor all night long. In 2024, Daniel was honored with the “Con A de Arte” Award by the Latin American Coalition for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of Argentine arts in North Carolina.
Whether on stage, in the classroom, or behind the DJ booth, Daniel Arredondo embodies the spirit of Argentine dance—elegant, expressive, and deeply human.
*****
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.
Visiting Instructors
*****
Eric Heleno & Julia Heleno
Tango enthusiasts from a young age we have accumulated a vast experience in dancing and teaching over the last 20 years. Professionally trained in Buenos Aires our approach is based on five pillars of connection :
1. Postural tonicity to improve floor connection and promote healthy movement
2. A dense and stable shape of the embrace
3. A perpetual exchange of energy from the
reciprocated motion of both leader and follower
4. Musicality rooted in tango, vals and milonga
phrasing
5. An active visual projection of time and space
Growing up Julia was musically trained to sing and play piano. Eric has a professional background in music composition and performance as well as sound engineering spanning 25 years. He conducts regular workshops on tango music history and sound for DJs, dancers and organisers of tango events.
*****
Daniel Arredondo
Born in San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina, Daniel Arredondo is a passionate artist whose life is devoted to the rhythm of tango and the soul of Argentine culture. Widely credited with introducing authentic Argentine tango to Charlotte, NC in 2000, Daniel has become a cornerstone of the local and regional tango community.
With a foundation in martial arts, modern dance, folkloric traditions, and competitive ballroom, Daniel’s movement is both technically refined and emotionally resonant. His tango is deeply personal, shaped by childhood memories of watching tangueros in Argentina and enriched by training with world-renowned maestros.
Daniel’s artistry extends beyond the dance floor. He has taught workshops across the Southeast and co-led adapted tango programs for individuals with Parkinson’s, blending compassion with innovation. His Monday nightclass and practica, Charlotte’s longest-running tango event, has been a vibrant hub for dancers of all levels for over two decades. In addition to tango, Daniel has been teaching chacarera classes for several years. Chacarera is a spirited folk dance from northern Argentina, known for its lively rhythm and vibrant footwork. Daniel’s chacarera classes offer dancers a joyful and culturally rich experience that complements the emotional depth of tango.
Daniel is the founder of Passion For Tango, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving authentic Argentine tango through education, performance, and community engagement. Through this platform, he has helped build a thriving tango community in Charlotte, one that is inclusive, passionate, and deeply connected. Over the years, this community has grown through strong bonds with tango dancers, instructors, and DJs across the Southeast, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support that continues to strengthen and unify the region.
*****
Jae Youn
Jae Youn is a world-renowned dancer, teacher, and DJ of Argentine Tango and folklore Chacarera. Jae Youn achieved a historic milestone by placing Second in the Milonga International category at the 2021 European Tango Cup with partner Yatma Diallo – the only American to have ever placed in the competition’s history.
With invitations to teach in esteemed locations such as Buenos Aires, Milan, and numerous cities across the US. Her approach to tango emphasizes the harmonious blend of physical and mental connections, musicality, and expressive communication.
Jae’s passion for tango extends beyond technique, embracing the dance as a powerful medium for self-expression, connection, and immersion in the music and ambient energy of the social tango experience.
Available for private lessons
Contact Jae@tangoutopia.com to learn more
*****
Vania Rey
Vania embarked on her tango-teaching journey in 2002 in Berlin, Germany. After being invited to teach in New York City in 2005, she decided to make North America her new base. Since that time, Vania has traveled to teach and DJ tango in Buenos Aires, and all over North America and Europe.
Vania is highly respected and almost equally accomplished as both leader and follower. Her greatest strengths as both a dancer and a teacher are her versatility and range, traits gleaned and continually developed on her own tango journey, through years of experience dancing and teaching a wide variety of styles – from Nuevo to Milonguero.
She is fluent and teaches in four languages (English, Spanish, German, Bulgarian), and as an instructor, Vania emphasizes fine-tuning the fundamentals, and encourages the sharing of more nuanced communication as a path for deeper connection.
*****
Natalya Ogirya
Based in Central Florida, Natalya teaches and DJs regularly at local milongas, practicas, and community events, and has been invited to spin at the Skybridge Tango Marathon and internationally in Baku. She is the founder of Orlando Tango Club and organizes annual tango weekends that bring dancers together from across the region.
Natalya has extensive teaching experience as both a follower and leader, with a special focus on milonguero-style tango. A former professional rhythmic gymnast with academic studies and deep expertise in body mechanics, she brings a foundation for cultivating improvisation, musicality, connection, healthy technique, step quality, spatial awareness, and rhythm between partners.
*****
Yelizaveta Nersesova
Yelizaveta is a tango teacher, DJ, and the founder of IMSO Tango, an online school where Yelizaveta helps social dancers deepen their musicality and connection.
Yelizaveta has been teaching movement for over 20 years, drawing on my background in ballet, blues, fusion, yoga, and body mechanics to make tango feel both natural and expressive.
Yelizaveta’s teaching style is practical and conversational – Yelizaveta likes breaking down complex ideas into clear, usable tools that work on a crowded social floor.
In 2024, Yelizaveta became the first woman leader to place in the Jack & Jill competition at the Southern California Tango Championship, taking third place.
You can also find Yelizaveta on The Tango Banter podcast, where I share candid conversations about tango culture, music, and the social dance experience.
*****
Carolyn Stoklosa
Carolyn Stoklosa, P.T., has been a licensed physical therapist since 1992 with a specialty in dance-related injury. She has vast experience treating a variety of medical conditions and owned a busy outpatient physical therapy clinic for 20 years. Carolyn has treated professional dancers from companies including Hubbard Street, The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Momix, The Hong Kong Ballet, and Juan Siddi Flamenco. She has been a member of The International Association of Dance Medicine and Science since 2018 and has taken continuing education for medical professionals treating dancers since 2008.
Carolyn began ballet lessons at the age of 4 and went on to study at the Juilliard School, The San Francisco Ballet School, and The Robert Joffrey Summer Intensive Program. Carolyn has performed in theaters across the US and was a professional ballerina with the Pacific Northwest Ballet and The Texas Ballet companies. She began dancing tango in 2003, studying tango in the US and Buenos Aires, and has attended tango events all over the world. Carolyn combines her knowledge as a physical therapist, ballerina, and tanguera to help dancers optimize their technique and prevent injuries. To learn more about Carolyn, and to see a full resume, visit physiodancer.com or check out her YouTube channel, @physiodancernm.
*****
Oscar Casas
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Oscar lived in Canada for many years, and has resided in Indianapolis, Indiana since 2012. I have studied art at Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, The Academy of Arts in Vancouver, Canada, and The Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, also in Vancouver. His work has been shown in many exhibitions in Buenos Aires, Vancouver, and Toronto, and is found in private collections in Canada, United States, Australia, Europe, and Japan.
Website: www.oscarcasas.art
*****
Robin Thomas
When Robin came back from his first trip to Buenos Aires 25 years ago, he realized that if he wanted to continue to dance tango every night, he would have to find a way to attend milongas for free. At the time, the concept of a tango DJ hardly existed. Organizer’s would put on a CD, and often it would repeat to span the length of the milonga. Robin wanted to play music as he had heard it in Buenos Aires: in tandas of tango, vals, and milonga with cortinas in between.
He began to DJ doing exactly that, despite being told not to play cortinas as people would dance to them. Initially some people did dance to the cortinas, but Robin persisted until this format became the standard. Over the next 20 years, he was invited to DJ in D.C., L.A., Denver, Portland, Miami, and some of the biggest festivals in North America, as well as, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Berlin, Seoul, Shanghai and Buenos Aires. Currently Robin co organizes Gallo Ciego and the Tuesday practica in NYC
Vendors
*****
Oscar Casas
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Oscar lived in Canada for many years, and has resided in Indianapolis, Indiana since 2012. I have studied art at Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, The Academy of Arts in Vancouver, Canada, and The Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, also in Vancouver. His work has been shown in many exhibitions in Buenos Aires, Vancouver, and Toronto, and is found in private collections in Canada, United States, Australia, Europe, and Japan.
Website: www.oscarcasas.art
*****
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.
*****
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/
*****
Mariposa Tango Boutique – Alla Kotler
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.
*****
Simon Perra-Jones
TangoTana is the exclusive distributor of the superb Entonces, Made in Italy. Marvelously crafted for shock absorption Entonces T-Shoes are stunning and will keep your feet happy tanda after tanda. The shoes come in narrow, regular, wide, and all heel heights. Simona Perra-Jones will be in the house with the new beautiful creations, stunning practice shoes, boots, and men’s shoes. She will help you find your perfect fit.
Tangotana.com
simona@tangotana.com
*****
Abbas Rakhshani
*****
Sandra Angel
Born in Colombia and raised in Venezuela, I pursued a career in architecture until 2010, when a turbulent year of challenges in the country led me to a turning point. After being laid off, I chose to reinvent myself creatively — first as a photographer, and soon after as a tango fashion designer. What began in 2013 as a small passion project creating women’s tango clothing for social dancing grew into a true vocation. Soon I expanded to tango shoes, and later to designing luxury performance dresses made mostly by request. Today, my work continues to evolve, with collections that include men’s tango pants, pre loved dresses, and tango shoes, alongside my signature one-of-a-kind designs.
I am especially proud of my one-of-a-kind women’s line, where I personally create each piece with meticulous attention to detail, high-quality materials, and refined finishes. These garments are not just clothing, but expressions of individuality and movement, designed to accompany dancers with elegance on and off the dance floor. I founded Mussa Design LLC, though most people know me simply as Sandra Angel, since my work spreads naturally by word of mouth within the tango community. Self-taught in patternmaking, sewing, and garment construction, I was fortunate to learn alongside my mother, an experienced seamstress, who helped bring my first sketches to life. Through dedication and experimentation, I developed my own style and craftsmanship, uniting culture, movement, and art in every design.
Since 2013, I’ve traveled to tango events across the United States, as well as in Colombia and Mexico, sharing my work with dancers who seek clothing that moves, feels, and expresses as beautifully as tango itself.
*****
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.
*****
Dancing Line
Artist and dancer Marina Katayeva presents Charmed Cabeceo — a symbol and a whisper that connects tango lovers across the world.
This charm, depending on your imagination, might be a pair of eyes, the embrace of Tango itself, or the trace of an ocho in the sand.
When we see Charmed Cabeceo in unexpected places — an airport, a park, or a café bench — we recognize one another.
Wear yours on the floor, or discover it here and join the tribe.
Explore the Charmed Cabeceo Facebook group to see dancers around the world wearing the symbol and keeping its quiet language alive.
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,
Photo & Video Archive
Click here for the photo archive!
Click here for the video archive!
Previous years will be added shortly.
Marathon Years: 2025, 24, 23, 22, 20, 19, 18
Festival Years: 2024, 23, 22
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 $225.
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.