Joel

Joel de la O is a professional dancer and milonguero recognized for his musicality, elegance, and sensitivity in connecting with each dance partner. His style combines technique, stage presence, and deep body listening, creating a fluid, respectful, and enjoyable experience on the dance floor. Founder of the training company Malandraca Gdl (2020), he has consistently worked both in teaching and artistic creation. Competitively, he has been National Champion of the Tango Chilango Festival (2018), National Runner-up at Bajío Tango (2022 and 2024), and a semifinalist at the Tango World Championships in Buenos Aires (2024), as well as a finalist in multiple national editions.  Joel is musical, connected, and always ready to share an elegant and warm tango.

Rob

Rob “Montango” was a former athlete, found tango after retiring, and never looked back. He is now a seasoned tango dancer who has performed and DJd at festivals across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Rooted in tango salón, his style is shaped by deep study in milonguero, nuevo, and escenario traditions. A former classical musician and now an international tango DJ, Rob’s deep musicality brings each tanda to life. With nearly two decades of experience and dancing in over 10 countries, he brings connection, presence, and playful energy to every embrace, always seeking the best dance he and his tanda partner can make.

Marcos

Marcos Zapata began dancing tango in 2000 in Monterrey, Mexico. He had the opportunity to learn the basics of tango from great maestros such as Sabrina and Rubén Véliz, Carlos Pérez and Rosa Forte, Osvaldo Zotto and Lorena Ermocida, among many others. From 2000 to the present, he has participated in creating tango events in different communities, collaborating in milongas, and performing in Mexico as well as in Italy, Denmark, and the United States. In 2024, he won the National Tango Championship in Mexico, qualifying to represent the country at the World Tango Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Currently, he continues traveling to different tango festivals and marathons in the United States and Mexico, creating connections between communities. His presence and warmth make every tanda a mutual joy.

Jael

Passionate about Argentine tango, Jael Montilla brings over 15 years of experience dedicated to connection, musicality, and the elegance of the follower’s role. Based in Orlando, Florida, she has had the honor of being awarded First Place as a Follower at three major U.S. tango festivals:  Miami Sunshine Tango Festival 2024, Las Vegas Tango Festival 2024, and SoCal Tango Championship 2025.  At ATUSA 2025, she also earned 2nd Place in Tango de Salón, Vals, and Stage Tango, and 3rd Place in Milonga.  Her style is defined by a sensitive embrace, fluidity on the dance floor, and a remarkable ability to adapt to a wide range of leaders’ styles and levels—offering an authentic, comfortable, and deeply enjoyable tango experience.

Fernando

Back at WCTF by popular demand, Fernando is a tango dancer and teacher from Monterrey, Mexico.  He has competed around the world, with highlights including: Champion of the Bajio Tango Championship 2023, 2nd place SoCal 2025 (Jack & Jill), and Champion of Tango Regio Festival 2018. He has also competed in the Buenos Aires Worldwide Tango Championship.  Forget complicated moves – Fernando is all about enjoying the music and creating a lovely connection in a comfortable embrace. Expect a stable, creative, and playful dance that often leaves dancers feeling like they’ve shared a warm embrace with a long-time friend – and definitely a tanda to remember!  Fernando brings elegance, technique, musicality, and creativity to every dance, offering an honest and respectful embrace for dancers of all levels.  He is looking forward to meeting you on the dance floor for some beautiful tandas!

Jesus

Jesus Matias Aranguren, milonguero at heart, is a seasoned tango dancer from Colombia, currently residing in the US.  With 14 years of dancing and extensive competition experience (recently, 2nd place in Tango, Vals, Stage Tango, and 3rd in Milonga at ATUSA), Jesus knows that the most important thing is always to enjoy, to have a conversation, and to connect with the music and partner when dancing. His dance style is charismatic, fun, creative and most importantly, poetic. He is excited to dance in Chicago!

Luz

Luz Vargas is a tango dancer and teacher from Monterrey, Mexico, and co-founder of the tango shoe brand Relevé. She has cultivated her dance by learning from renowned maestros and embracing the milongas in Mexico, Argentina, and the US. As a teacher, her goal is helping students build solid bases, enhance their abilities, and own their tango. A champion at Bajío Tango 2023 and Tango Regio 2018—and a SoCal Tango Championship 2025 finalist— Luz also participated in the 2023 Mundial de Tango. She has performed in events like Holiday Tango Weekend in Dallas and Immersive Tango in Buenos Aires. Her style blends technique, musicality, playfulness, and active partner communication. Whether you are new to tango or a seasoned dancer, Luz is happy to assist you during festival classes, and looks forward to sharing lovely tandas that feel honest and mutually created.

Verónica