THE ARTISTS
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.
The Maestros
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.
