We are excited to welcome Tango ICON Liliana Chenlo to Ottawa!
Don’t miss this chance to work with an absolute star and trailblazer in the world of tango. She is a master of both leading and following, and thus has a deep understanding of tango partnership. She is also known for her expressive and musical style. She will teach 4 workshops throughout her stay and will be offering private lessons.
BIO:
Born in Buenos Aires city, Liliana Chenlo began her career as a tango dancer at the age of 8, learning both roles simultaneously. As a professional dancer and Queer Tango instructor, Liliana performs and teaches internationally.
In 2008, she began her own tango company in Buenos Aires, “Open Tango,” offering locals and tourists a chance to discover and learn tango in a supportive environment without gender-assigned dance roles. She is recognized as one of the best female leaders in the world and is the first-ever female to enter the Mundial de Tango World Championships as a leader, finishing in the semifinals just barely missing the finals by less than a point. More queer and same-sex couples have since entered the Mundial. She was also the first-ever woman lead in an international tango show, The Social Tango Project, which played to full houses in Ottawa in both 2023 and 2024.
REGISTRATION
It’s open! Go to this form.
SCHEDULE
Saturday, September 27: Knox Presbyterian
| 1:15 PM | Doors open | |
| 1:30 – 2:45 PM | Workshop 1: “Dancing the Music: Rhythm, Phrasing & Emotion” (All levels) | This class invites you to experience tango music through your body. We’ll explore rhythm, pulse, phrasing, accents, and pauses in a playful, physical, and intuitive way. Learn to listen deeply, move with intention, and let the music guide your dance. |
| 3:00 – 6:00 | The Afternoon MIlonga | Welcome Milonga for Lili! |
Sunday, September 28: 61 Main Street
| 2:30 – 3:45 PM | Workshop 2: “Intention, Embrace & Connection: the Essence of Tango” (All levels) | We’ll focus on the most essential elements of tango: the intention behind each movement, the quality of the embrace, and the depth of the connection. Explore how every step begins with clear intention — and how that transforms communication within the couple. We’ll also work on sharing energy, finding and sustaining your axis, and creating a dance that feels authentic, present, and pleasurable. Perfect for those looking to reconnect with the roots of tango from a physical and sensitive perspective. |
| 4:00 – 5:15 PM | Workshop 3: “Axis and Off-Axis, Volcadas” (Intermediate / Advanced) | This workshop is designed to explore the fundamentals and safety of off-axis figures and volcadas. We’ll focus on technique, trust, and connection, teaching you how to execute these movements with fluidity and control. Through specific exercises, you’ll learn how to maintain stability in challenging positions, coordinate with your partner, and create a dynamic flow in the dance while keeping balance. Perfect for those looking to take their dancing to a more technical and daring level, always with safety and communication in mind. |
| 5:15 – 7:15 PM | Sunday Práctica | Open to all, whether you took workshops or not! |
Monday, September 29: Bronson Centre
| 7:30 – 8:45 PM | Seminar 4: Complex Sacadas! (Intermediate / Advanced) | Description soon to come. |
| 8:45 – 9:30 PM | Práctica for those in Workshop 4 | Ask Lili your questions! |
PRICING
W1, W2, W3 a la carte: $38 per person
S4 a la carte: $45 per person (Class + Closed Practice session with Lili)
Beginner track = W1, W2 = $65
Int-Adv track = W3, S4 = $75
The Whole Shebang: = W1, W2, W3, S4 = $140
The Afternoon Milonga: $15 per person, $10 for those in workshops
The Sunday Práctica is included for anyone in workshops.
