Spoleto Tango Festival 2026
Spoleto Tango is a cherished tradition that began in 2005, featuring the highly anticipated Argentine Tango Festival, including the popular Tango at the Beach event on Folly Beach, SC. This exciting occasion is hosted by Dragon Productions, LLC and takes place at Ballroom Dance Charleston, located at 2408 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC 29414.
Meet Our DJ s and Instructors
DJ Koichiro Suzuki (Pittsburgh)
Koichiro Suzuki has a Master’s Degree in Music Performance at Duquesne University and has performed Euphonium internationally since 1996. Koichiro incorporates his complex music background and deep understanding of musicality into his DJing. Koichiro DJs regularly in Pittsburgh, PA and has DJed in many other cities in the United States, Argentina, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Europe. Koichiro is the founder of the annual Pittsburgh Tango Fierro Marathon & Pittsburgh Tango Festival in Pittsburgh. In 2022, he was invited to DJ at Toronto Tango Marathon, Austin Spring Tango Festival, Itacha Tango Marathon, Spoleto Tango, Toronto Tango Festival, Windy City Tango Festival, Columbia Tango Marathon, South East Tango Festival.
DJ Rob Montango (Montana)
Rob Montango began his journey in movement as a career martial artist for over 30 years before discovering dance in 2006. What began as curiosity became devotion... he shifted his entire life toward the study of the dance, immersing himself in its music, history, and culture with the discipline of a lifelong athlete.
He has since trained extensively across the United States and Europe with master teachers, traveling constantly to refine both his dancing and his understanding of tango’s musical legacy.
As a DJ, Rob has headlined major festivals throughout the United States, Eastern Europe, and Asia. His sets are known for their emotional architecture ... a blend of elegant Golden Age classics, powerful modern orchestras, and a distinctive alt-tango palette that he curates with the ear of a true audiophile. Whether playing a traditional salón or an alternative marathon, Rob crafts an atmosphere designed for deep connection, grounded energy, and unforgettable dances.
His mission is simple: to share music that inspires dancers, honors tradition, elevates community, and reveals the soul of tango ... one tanda at a time.
DJ Ken Broom (Columbia, SC)
Ken Broom is a seasoned and versatile DJ with more than 15 years of experience creating memorable dance floors for social dancers, competitors, and festival audiences. Since 2004, Ken has specialized in Latin dance music (salsa, cha-cha, bachata, and merengue), Argentine Tango (traditional and nuevo/alternative tandas of tango, vals, and milonga), and Ballroom dance music (International and American styles). His carefully curated sets are informed by deep musical knowledge and a dancer-centric sensibility.
Ken has been a featured guest DJ at numerous prestigious events, including Spoleto Tango on the Beach, Columbia’s Mad Hot Tango Marathon, Columbia’s Argentine Tango Regional, Charlotte’s Candlelight Alternative Milonga, Queen City Tango Marathon, Dancing with the Stars (9 seasons), Las Carolinas Tango Marathons, SouthEast Tango Festival, Milonga La Pantera, and numerous private and community events. In 2026, Ken also contributed his musical expertise to Argentine Tango – The SHOW presented at the College of Charleston, an arts event celebrating tango performance and culture.
As an event organizer, Ken and his wife Zenaida have produced long-running and beloved dance experiences such as the Spoleto Tango Festival (Charleston, SC, 2006–present), Tango by the Lake (Columbia, SC), WinterHeat Salsa Weekend (Columbia, SC), and The Columbia Tango Marathon (Columbia, SC). In 2022 they founded Dragon Productions LLC, a full-service production company offering event planning, professional audio, video, and theatrical lighting services.
In addition to DJing, Ken is an accomplished Audio Engineer. He has mixed live performances for celebrated ensembles and artists including the Alejandro Ziegler Orchestra, Pittsburgh Tango Trio, Osvaldo Barrios, Athens Tango Project, De La Noche, Orquesta MaCuba, Palmetto Latin 9, and the Meridian Tango Group, bringing dynamic live sound to diverse musical performances.
Whether curating elegant tandas for a milonga, energizing a salsa congress, mixing live orchestras, or producing large-scale events, Ken brings professionalism, passion, and musical depth to every dance community he serves.
Roxana Marinoff y Cesar Davalos (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Roxana and Cesar, from Argentina, are Professional dancers and Argentine Tango teachers. They have been working together since 2014 and have participated in countless shows. They have taken their skills and passion throughout the eastern United States, giving workshops and shows at various dance schools. They are also the choreographers of numerous shows for many Argentine Producers.
They have been part of great companies, such as Tango Desire Company, Tango Legends, Mora Godoy Tango Company, Tango Genuine and Marcos Ayala Tango Company, making national and international tours. They have joined the staff of renowned Tango Shows in the City of Buenos Aires, such as El Gran Cafe Tortoni, Madero Tango, Tango Porteño and currently working in the Viejo Almacén.
They are the principal couple of “Tango The Musical”, a wonderful tribute to Astor Piazolla. In 2015 they were part of Stravaganza Tango, an amazing theatrical show, in which Tango was fused with aerial skills and malambo. They have participated in shows for Argentine television, like “Dancing with the Stars”.
Thanks to their initial training in other disciplines, such as rhythmic gymnastics, aerial silks, acrobatics, modern dances, and a little bit of ballroom dance, they have a versatile and unique dance style that stands out for its flexibility and dexterity.
Florencia Lucano y Gustavo Marcelo Russo (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Gustavo Marcelo Russo is a world-renowned Argentine tango dancer and choreographer whose career began in 1988 after being selected by Juan Carlos Copes. He quickly rose to prominence through major stage productions and performances in Buenos Aires’ top tango venues, while collaborating with leading orchestras. Throughout the 1990s, he gained international recognition with shows like *Tango Pasión*, touring globally and appearing in film, television, and prestigious festivals.
In 2000, he created *Tango Seducción*, a highly successful show that established him as an innovative choreographer blending traditional and modern tango. He later developed *Tango Revolution* and worked on international projects such as *Dancing with the Stars Israel*. His company has performed worldwide in major theaters, earning acclaim for his distinctive artistic style and contribution to tango.
Florencia Lucano is a talented tango dancer who began training at age 13 and performed in various tango shows and venues in Buenos Aires. She began working with Gustavo Russo in 2018, eventually becoming his dance partner.
Together, Russo and Lucano have built a strong artistic collaboration, performing, teaching, and choreographing internationally. Highlights include teaching at the Tango World Championship, co-creating shows like *Notables*, and starring in the 2024 production of *María de Buenos Aires* in Milwaukee. They are now highly respected performers and instructors, touring globally and sharing their passion for tango.
Meet Our Vendors...
Winged Lion Jewelry by Sergey Zhiboedov
We truly love the process of creating our artworks. Our home is full of artistic pieces we've done - watercolor and oil paintings, wood carvings and mosaic mirrors, papier mâché puppets and painted windows. Art is something that makes us happy, it's our way of enjoying life at its fullest. We sincerely hope you'll share our pleasure by owning our artworks - hand-pulled prints and jewelry. Enjoy them for years to come!
Drawings by Natalia Moroz
Prepare to be captivated by the stunning creations of talented artists Sergey and Natalia, whose unique blend of jewelry and artistic drawings promises to elevate your personal style. Their exquisite pieces are not just accessories; they are expressions of creativity that reflect a deep passion for craftsmanship and design.
Get ready to pamper yourself with these amazing creations that not only enhance your look but also tell a story. Each item from Sergey and Natalia is a testament to their dedication to artistry and quality, making them perfect gifts for yourself or loved ones who appreciate the finer things in life.
Mussa Collection by Sandra Angel
Step into a world where movement becomes art and elegance meets passion. Sandra creates one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted Argentine tango fashions designed exclusively for women who want to express confidence, sensuality, and individuality on the dance floor. Each garment is thoughtfully designed and meticulously made, blending luxurious fabrics with fluid silhouettes that respond beautifully to every step, pause, and embrace.
Complementing her couture, she offers a curated collection of premium Argentine tango shoes for both women and men. Designed for precision, comfort, and style, her shoes support dancers at every level—whether you’re gliding through your first tanda or commanding the floor with years of experience.
This is more than dancewear—it’s an experience of craftsmanship, culture, and connection. Discover pieces as unique as your dance, and let your style tell your story with every step.