DJs
Jun Yi
(Bay Area)
Intrigued by the beauty of the music and intensity of the dance, Jun discovered the world of Argentine Tango when studying at Yale University, and started her DJing journey at Yale Tango Club. Her incessant quest for great tango music led her to invitations of DJing by popular milongas in New York City, the vibrant tango community that nourished her growth and blossoming into a mature dancer and DJ. A gentle and sensitive soul, Jun actively listens to the dance floor and she creates such a music space that speaks to dancers’ emotions absorbed in a warm embrace, elegant steps, and playful movement. She aspires to create an engaging conversation with the dancers through her tunes where dancers could ease into their personal truth of tango with their emotions safely unfolding and expressed through the dance. Known for her impeccable delicacy of storytelling, Jun’s music is instrumental to creating some of the most blissful, energized and passionate milongas for the dancers that have heard her.
Milton "El Gallo"
(Boston)
Milton “El Gallo” is not your regular DJ. He is a true professional, an exuberant entertainer, a thoughtful romantic, a mischievous character, a dynamic dancer, and a magic-maker who understands that every moment of an event matters. His approach to DJing mirrors his approach to tango. He looks to deeply connect with the people in the room, carefully and thoughtfully selecting songs, tandas, and even cortinas to create a mood that accentuates the experience for each dancer present. Expect a carefully curated journey of musical emotion that inspires you, keeps you dancing, and leaves you satisfied.
Milton hails from Boston-ish (MA, USA) where he is the resident DJ of the popular and long-standing monthly event, Milonga Nueva, which he co-hosts with his lovely wife, Corin. He has frequently DJed throughout the United States and Canada, and at major events in Europe.
Rebecca Rorick-Smith
(Portland)
Rebecca’s Tango journey began in Eugene, OR in 1999 while pursuing her BFA at the University of Oregon. Through Eugene’s Tango Center she began teaching and 22 years later her feet have not yet stopped dancing! From 2000 Rebecca has lived and taught within numerous communities in the USA, and around the world. After 5 years teaching, organizing, and djing in Berlin, she is settled back in Portland, OR. Currently she offers classes in Portland as well as workshops and residencies across the Country. As a teacher Rebecca has always believed in the transformative process of learning Tango and is fueled by the metamorphosis of her students. She is richly influenced by her background in Yoga, Aerial Acrobatics, Visual Arts, and her passion for Horticulture. She offers accessible, clear, compassionate guidance combined with a deep understanding of both Following and Leading, Music, and ever-evolving Technique.
Robin Thomas
(New York)
When Robin came back from his first trip to Buenos Aires 22 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 didn’t exist. 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 10 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 a Tuesday practica in NYC.
Jennifer Olson
(Bay Area)
As a DJ, Jennifer strives for versatility as well. She does not have ONE format she uses for DJing, but adapts according to the group that is in the room. Jennifer has extensive experience DJing not only traditional milongas around the world, but also alternative milongas.
John Miller
(Denver)
Though well known and beloved as an amazing traditional tango DJ, John has (at least one) hidden super power, unleashed only for special occasions such as Tree City Tango.
Yes, it's true: John is also an amazing alt DJ! And at special request, he'll be unleashing the beast this weekend.
Tommy Smith
(Boise)
Tommy has a passion for traditional tango music and DJing, and he believes understanding the mind of the social dancer is the key to great DJing. He has a simple mantra: OPB (Only Play Bangers!) To educate and motivate beginning DJs, progressing DJs, and those interested in tango music, he offers semi-regular DJ workshops. Events he has DJ'd at include DC’s Tango Holiday, Portland Tangofest, Tango on the Rocks, and Austin Spring Tango.
