Grab Your Dancing Shoes, New York Queer Tango Weekend Returns!

We’ve seen out and proud JoJo Siwa master the art of the tango with her same-sex dance partner Jenna Johnson, breaking ground on Dancing with the Stars. Go Team Siwa-Johnson! And if you live in the Big Apple, you’ll have your chance to learn, too! Amateur and professional tango dancers will step into formation as the sixth edition of the New York Queer Tango Weekend (NYQTW) begins today and runs through Sunday, Oct. 24. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers have made a few changes to limit the amount of teaching and performing allowed and will require attendees to show proof of vaccination at the door of each scheduled event. 

National and international queer tango teachers mentor attendees have they hone their craft. The event also offers dancers the opportunity to explore a variety of Tango at Milongas – tango social parties – and a chance to mix and mingle with the New York tango community. 

In addition to the weekend lineup of tango mixers and parties with featured musicians, singers, and DJs, the event will honor tango teachers and activists who have made important contributions to disseminating tango and creating a vibrant community not only in the US but internationally, too. The Friends of Argentine Tango, a New York-based nonprofit organization, will present awards to Ray Sullivan and Luis Vivas, organizers of the Miami Queer Tango Festival. 

Walter Perez and Leonardo Sardella organized the New York Queer Tango Weekend, and they have been actively involved in the International Queer Tango Festivals as well as performed and led dance classes around the world including the U.S., England, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Iceland, Mexico, and Argentina. 

For a full line-up of events this weekend, check out the NY Queer Tango Weekend Facebook page.