Dan Boccia

Dan Boccia is recognized internationally as one of the finest tango DJs in North America, since 2001. He enjoys DJing at a wide variety of events, from intimate house parties to the largest and most important events, festivals and congresses. Dan also loves to DJ for classes, subtly enhancing the learning experience for students.

He is known for pioneering and advancing the art of DJing improvisationally, selecting music on the fly during the event rather than relying on pre-recorded playlists. He has a deep and expanding knowledge of the music, orchestras, singers, and individual musicians. He strives to keep dancers intently focused on the music so that he essentially becomes transparent while DJing, rather than drawing undue attention to himself.

Dan has spent over 10 years developing techniques to clean the music up, enhancing its sound, and is known for having one of the best-sounding collections of tango music anywhere. In addition, he is a practiced sound technician, with a keen ear for improving the acoustics at events, improving the all-important sound environment at dances.

Dan also enjoys presenting DJ seminars and leading music discussions with dancers so they can enrich their tango experiences.

Poema Milonga
Friday May 18th, 9:30 PM - 1:00 AM
Croatian Cultural Center - Auditorium II

Lucio Grave

Lucio was part of the very first group of tangueros in Vancouver. Since then, his passion for tango - the dance and the music - and his generous nature, have always been there helping to make Vancouver one of the most welcoming tango communities in North America.

He loves DJ'ing and has created many many enjoyable evenings on the dance floor with his vast knowledge of Argentine tango music. Lucio, together with Wendy Hatanaka, host the oldest still running milonga in Vancouver, La Tangueria Esposito http://www.latangueriaesposito.com/index.html.

Volver Milonga
Sunday May 20th, 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Croatian Cultural Center - Auditorium II

Michael McCarrel

For Mike, Argentine tango is all about the music.

He began dancing in 2006, and after helping found the Portland State University Argentine Tango Club, he soon began DJing regularly at its events. In 2008, he spent three months in Buenos Aires delving deeply into the dance, music, studying with several instructors and attending many milongas. After returning to his hometown of Portland, Mike began DJing frequently around town as well as co-founding the Mississippi Milonga, Milonga al Norte and is the Dj in residence at the Ladybug Milonga.

He has since DJ'd in Seattle, Houston, New York, Eugene, and Ashland and has been invited to Dj the Grape Escape Tango Festival, Vancouver Vantangofest and the Providence Tango Marathon. In the ways of DJing and dancing, Mike is available for private and group instruction. He strives to give his students an understanding of underlying technique, which will allow them to explore and grow as dancers. His strongest influences include Daniel Tuero, Cecilia Piccinni, Ariadna Naveira, Dominic Bridge, Alex Krebs, and Felipe Martinez.

'Mi Serenata' Vantangofest Grand Ball
Saturday May 19th, 8:30 PM - 12:30 AM
Croatian Cultural Center - Auditorium II

'Otra Milonga' Alternative Milonga
Sunday May 20th, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Croatian Cultural Center - Auditorium II

Anton Sukhanov

Anton is a well known tango DJ, dancer and organizer from Seattle. Only three months after his first tango class, he went to Argentina
to study with international tango stars Julio Balmaceda and Corina de la Rosa. Since then Anton has been dancing almost
nonstop, following the best tango teachers in festivals around the world.
You can find him DJing at popular local milongas and tango practicas.

'Trasnochando' Milonga
Saturday ALL-NIGHT Milonga
May 19th, Midnight - 5:00 AM
*Venue: Media Luz at 2155 Commercial Drive

Denise Kainz - Yoga Instructor

Denise has always loved being physically active; enjoying the outdoors and all that nature has to offer. She decided that her line of work should also be what really inspires and nurtures happiness from the inside out.

At 26 she went back to school and obtained a Diploma in Health and Fitness Studies from Simon Fraser University. With that diploma she began to work for the City of Vancouver in Parks and Recreation as an Aerobic, Weight Training, and Back Care Instructor, and for Grouse Mountain as a Ski Instructor – eventually becoming a full time Fitness and Recreation Programmer for the next 15 years.

She graduated from Yoga Teacher Training in 2003 and it changed her life. She resigned from her full time post with the City to teach Yoga, Pilates, Personal Training, and Ski Guide in winter.

At the end of every yoga class that she teaches, she will always say “We can’t take care of anyone else unless we take care of ourselves first”. She thanks the students for their presence and energy. She always considers it an honor and pleasure to help nurture and guide them through their practice.

According to Denise - "Taking the time and investing in yourself; to really be present, aware, and connected - will help you with everything else in your life….and Especially Tango"