Instructors

Jaimes Friedgen &

Christa Rodriguez

Jaimes Friedgen is one of the most accomplished and influential Tango teachers in the United States. Starting Tango as a teenager in the mid-Nineties, Friedgen studied with many extraordinary dancers and teachers, some of whom are no longer with us. No matter the level, from absolute beginner to professional, Friedgen has a knack for finding the most useful challenges to improve one’s Tango.

Christa Rodriguez embarked on her tango journey in 2003 in Seattle, where her passion for the dance quickly flourished. Almost immediately, she began assisting in classes, demonstrating her enthusiasm and dedication to the art form. By 2006, Christa had become one of the main instructors at The 8th Style School of Tango, taking on the added responsibility of managing the school, where she nurtured countless dancers in their tango pursuits.

In 2013, Christa took her love for tango on the road, embarking on a transformative tour across Europe and North America, where she taught and performed, sharing her expertise and passion for the dance with diverse audiences.

In 2016, she settled in the enchanting town of Santa Fe,

where she has since concentrated her efforts on revitalizing the tango scene in there and in neighboring Taos. Her dedication to bringing new dancers into the fold and creating a vibrant tango community continues to thrive, as she welcomes friends and newcomers alike into the captivating world of tango. With her passion and expertise, Christa Rodriguez stands as a beacon of inspiration in the dance community, making her mark one step at a time.

Read more about their work at www.jaimesfriedgentango.com and www.8thstyletango.com.

Vania Rey

Vania has been a tango teacher since 2002 and DJ since 2008. Her greatest strengths as a teacher and dancer are her versatility and range, gained through years of experience dancing and teaching a wide variety of styles - from Nuevo to Milonguero. By pairing an analytical mind with exceptional kinesthetic sense and strong observation skills, Vania emphasizes fine-tuning the fundamentals, and encourages the sharing of more nuanced communication as a path for deeper connection.

Vania has taught and performed with more than 50 partners - male and female -, and is particularly excited about the opportunity to work with a great professional like Lya Elcagu during the Tree City Festival!

Lya Elcagu

Lya brings deep expertise, passion, and a unique approach to every lesson. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, join her on the journey of discovering organic and joyful movement.

She is not only a master of tango but also a certified yoga teacher (500+hrs CYT certified). This dual expertise allows her to bring a unique perspective to her teaching, emphasizing the importance of body alignment, body awareness and the connection with the other and the music. Her methodology empowers dancers to connect with their own bodies and their partners on a deeper level, enhancing technique, connection, ease and expression. Based on the idea of social tango and how to create an easy access to the improvisation, Lya puts her focus on the specific needs of the students, adapting the content with the goal, to facilitate everyones evolution in tango.

Semifinalist in the Campeonato de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires 2023
Finalist in the Campeonato para Mujeres en el rol Conductor 2018
Taught at DNI Tango School in Buenos Aires – one of the most respected Argentine tango schools in the world
Studied and worked with world-renowned tango masters, including Dana Frigoli, Fernando Galera, Virginia Vasconi, Pablo Alvarez, and more!

Lya is super excited to work for the first time with Vania, as both are highly trained in both roles, which takes their understanding about this beautiful dance which is Tango to an other level.

More about Lya: www.movetocreate.net