THE ARTISTS
2026 lineup
The Maestros
Marce Ospina & Sebastián Arrua
Sebastián Arrua
Sebastián Arrua is an internationally acclaimed tango dancer, teacher, event organizer, and TDJ with over 20 years of experience sharing Argentine Tango worldwide.
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, he began dancing at eight and graduated from the Escuela Nacional de Danzas de Buenos Aires. Deeply connected to tango’s tradition through his family, he has devoted his life to expressing and teaching its essence.
Since 2010, Sebastián has taught and performed in more than 30 countries, including appearances at the Teatro Colón and other prestigious stages. He is the director of BA. Tango Evolution, Buenos Aires’ most successful intensive training program (www.batangoevolution.com), and founder of Tango Company NZ, the largest tango school in New Zealand (www.tangocompanynz.com). As a TDJ, he has musicalized major international tango events in Argentina and around the world.
For Sebastián, Tango is more than a dance—it is a cultural and artistic expression of connection, dialogue, and emotion. His teaching combines precise salon technique with a deep understanding of tango’s cultural roots, encouraging students to develop fluidity, musicality, and personal expression in their dance.
Marce Ospina
Marcela Ospina (Marce) is a Colombian tango instructor and performer based in Melbourne, Australia. She began studying ballet, gymnastics, and tango at the age of 17. Her participation in festivals, championships, and performances across Colombia, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Germany, and New Caledonia has enriched both her dancing and teaching practice.
Marcela is an active and recognised figure in the tango community across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region. She is passionate about contemporary dance and interested in exploring role fluidity in partner dancing. For Marcela, dance is a way to cultivate connection and respect as foundations for a more conscious and caring society. Alongside her dance work, she is a multidisciplinary creative, exploring artistic forms such as painting, drama, and music.
The Band: Koala Tango Duo
The Koalas return to Warrnambool, this time as a duo. Featuring Amy on piano and Stephen on the devilish bandoneon, the duo creates an intimate energy where dance and music entwine in a passionate embrace.
Amy Lynch
Amy Lynch is a Melbourne-based musician and teacher specialising in Latin American music. She holds a Bachelor of Music in classical piano performance and has immersed herself in the rich musical traditions of South America. After spending three years in Buenos Aires, she expanded her skills to include the accordion and bandoneon. In 2017, Amy returned to Argentina to study arranging and bandoneon under maestro Rodolfo Mederos. Upon her return, she co-founded one of Australia’s few Orquesta Típicas, the Melbourne Tango Orchestra, and has since toured interstate, performing at major national festivals such as the National Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, MONA, and Cygnet Folk Festival.
Stephen Cuttriss
Stephen Cuttriss is one of Australia’s leading exponents of the enigmatic bandoneon. Originating in 19th-century Germany, the bandoneon quickly became the quintessential instrument of Argentine tango, and its versatility remains unmatched. Stephen brings to life the many moods and voices of the bandoneon – from traditional tango to Bach and beyond – and, of course, the formidable music of Ástor Piazzolla. As a soloist, he has performed and recorded with some of Australia’s most acclaimed classical musicians, including the Nexas Quartet and pianist-composer Daniel Rojas. As co-founder and director, he regularly performs across Australia with the Mendoza Tango Quartet and the Melbourne Tango Orchestra, and has appeared at festivals nationwide, including the Orange Chamber Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, National Folk Festival, Lorne Festival of Performing Arts, MONA FOMA, Cygnet Folk Festival, Australasian World Music Expo, Queensland Music Festival, and Brisbane Festival.
TDJ Cristina Del Montessino
Born in Germany and discovering Tango in 2007 while living in Melbourne, Cristina quickly made Tango her daily passion. She taught and performed with Alberto Cortez’s Solo Tango company and claimed first place in the 2009 Victoria Tango Championships (Tango Salon) and fourth in Australia’s 'Tango Escenario.' Cristina’s Tango journey took her from Buenos Aires to Europe, where she DJed in top Milongas across Melbourne, Barcelona, Paris, Germany, and Buenos Aires. Known for her love of lyrical and rhythmic Tangos, especially the brilliance of D'Arienzo, she crafts each Tanda with care, ensuring dancers stay on their feet from the 'Epoca de Oro' to modern concerts. Cristina’s traditional style and meticulously curated Tandas and Cortinas promise an energetic and unforgettable night of dancing.
Luli Montaldo
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Luli Montaldo has trained with some of the world’s most renowned tango maestros for over 20 years. She has developed a unique approach to teaching, breaking down movements into clear, detailed steps, helping dancers refine their technique while deeply connecting with the music.
Luli is the first female leader at El Cxuce, the prestigious school of Vanesa Villalba & Facundo Piñeiro. She teaches and performs as both a leader and follower, bringing versatility and depth to her dancing.
Now based in Newcastle, Australia, she is dedicated to sharing her passion for Argentine tango, teaching across Newcastle and surrounding areas.
2025 Lineup
The Maestros
The TDJs
TDJ Marce Ospina
Originally from Colombia and now based in Melbourne, Marcela discovered tango through her father, who sang and played tango at home during her childhood. A passionate dancer and tango enthusiast, she brings her deep musicality and vibrant energy to the DJ booth, creating elegant and engaging tandas for the dance floor. Marce is regularly invited to DJ and teach at tango events and festivals across Australia and internationally.
DJ Emución
Behind the emu hides Flora la Frenchie, founder of TangoWarrnambool and organiser of the festival. Flora delivers the dynamism and elegance of traditional tango through her distinctive sets. Focusing on the timeless sound of Golden Age tango, Flora blends original recordings with contemporary orchestral arrangements to create rich, authentic tandas. Always attentive to the spirit of each event, she also enjoys exploring unexpected musical landscapes for themed milongas: from classic elegance to surprising modern selections. Inspired by a transformative journey in Buenos Aires in 2019 and 2026, where she immersed herself in both live orchestras and the vibrant milongas that capture tango’s soul, Flora now shares her passion for tango and the energy of Buenos Aires at festivals and milongas in both France (as co-organiser of Festivalito Tango des Bigoudenes) and Australia.
Gustavo Herrera
Originally from Colombia, Gustavo Herrera is a passionate tango dancer and teacher. His tango journey began with intensive training under various teachers, leading him to compete and perform across Colombia for seven years. During this time, he won 1st place in the Beginner Category and 3rd place in the Semi-Professional Category.
Seeking deeper immersion, Gustavo moved to Buenos Aires, where he refined his understanding of connection and musicality, two core elements of his teaching philosophy. Now based in Brisbane, Australia, he continues to evolve as a dancer, instructor, and DJ.
Gustavo’s teaching focuses on helping students synchronise movement with the energy of the music, blending inspiration, fluidity, and expression into every step.
The Band: Koala Tango Trio
The Koala Tango Trio comprises three talented Melbourne-based tango musicians, joining forces to bring tango music to life at the inaugural Warrnambool Tango Festival. Performing both traditional and modern styles, these musicians share a deep passion for Argentine tango. Featuring Amy on piano, Sam on violin, and Stephen on the devilish bandoneon, the trio creates an intimate energy where dance and music entwine in a passionate embrace.
Amy Lynch
Amy Lynch is a Melbourne-based musician and teacher specialising in Latin American music. She holds a Bachelor of Music in classical piano performance and has immersed herself in the rich musical traditions of South America. After spending three years in Buenos Aires, she expanded her skills to include the accordion and bandoneon. In 2017, Amy returned to Argentina to study arranging and bandoneon under maestro Rodolfo Mederos. Upon her return, she co-founded one of Australia’s few Orquesta Típicas, the Melbourne Tango Orchestra, and has since toured interstate, performing at major national festivals such as the National Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, MONA, and Cygnet Folk Festival.
Sam Lengyel
Samantha Lengyel is a classically trained violinist and multi-instrumentalist who fell in love with tango whilst listening to records in her grandfather’s kitchen in Chile. She studied tango as a violinist under the tutelage of Maggie Ferguson and Oz Tango, and has performed with the Australian Youth Orchestra, Sydney Youth Orchestra, and most recently, the Melbourne Tango Orchestra. Sam’s passion extends beyond performance to the dance itself – she teaches and socialises within the community. Her work emphasises exploring the improvisational opportunities unique to the interplay between tango dancers and the orchestra, sparking moments of deep connection and expression.
Stephen Cuttriss
Stephen Cuttriss is one of Australia’s leading exponents of the enigmatic bandoneon. Originating in 19th-century Germany, the bandoneon quickly became the quintessential instrument of Argentine tango, and its versatility remains unmatched. Stephen brings to life the many moods and voices of the bandoneon – from traditional tango to Bach and beyond – and, of course, the formidable music of Ástor Piazzolla. As a soloist, he has performed and recorded with some of Australia’s most acclaimed classical musicians, including the Nexas Quartet and pianist-composer Daniel Rojas. As co-founder and director, he regularly performs across Australia with the Mendoza Tango Quartet and the Melbourne Tango Orchestra, and has appeared at festivals nationwide, including the Orange Chamber Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, National Folk Festival, Lorne Festival of Performing Arts, MONA FOMA, Cygnet Folk Festival, Australasian World Music Expo, Queensland Music Festival, and Brisbane Festival.
Tango DJs
DJ Elena Zaléz
Elena Zaléz is a passionate DJ, tango dancer, teacher, and singer from Argentina. Inspired by the traditional milongas and the golden age of tango in Buenos Aires, she curates her music with a deep focus on musicality, lyrics, and poetry to create a romantic, authentic atmosphere. Each tanda is a journey, blending orchestral nuances, raw emotions, and vibrant flavours that honour tango’s rich heritage.
Elena studied tango at IUNA and Universidad del Tango in Buenos Aires before refining her craft in Lisbon—where she made her debut as a tango DJ and developed a uniquely sensitive approach to music selection. She tailors her playlists to perfectly match the dancers’ mood, ensuring every set feels both nostalgic and dynamic. Having taught, danced, and performed throughout Europe, Argentina, and Australia, Elena continues to captivate tango lovers with her innovative and heartfelt style.
DJ Saint
Gustavo Herrera, known as DJ Saint in Australian milongas, is a passionate dancer, teacher, and DJ from Colombia. Seeking to deepen his understanding of tango, he moved to Buenos Aires, where he dedicated himself to the study of connection and musicality—core elements of his passion for dance. Now based in Brisbane, Gustavo infuses his DJ sets with vibrant energy and soulful rhythms, drawing on his rich study of tango. His dynamic playlists evoke the authentic spirit of Argentine tango, making every tanda a truly immersive experience.
DJ Emución
Behind the emu hides Flora, founder of TangoWarrnambool and organiser of the festival. Flora delivers the dynamism and elegance of traditional tango through her distinctive sets. Focusing on the timeless sound of Golden Age tango—blending original and contemporary orchestral arrangements—she creates an authentic experience for all. Inspired by a transformative journey in Buenos Aires in 2019, where she immersed herself in both live orchestras and the vibrant milongas that capture tango’s soul, Flora now shares her passion for tango and the energy of Buenos Aires at festivals and milongas in both France (as co-organiser of Festivalito Tango des Bigoudenes) and Australia.
