YOUR 2023 DJS WERE:

Frieda Kolya - Sydney 

In 1999, after years of Ballroom and Latin Dance, Frieda  discovered Argentine Tango. She found tango music to be very different and became very curious about it. The richness of tango music, the different eras, the diversity of tango orchestras was intoxicating and beckoning. Tango found her, so to speak, and she wanted to run into its arms, to embrace it. 

She believed the dance developed through the music so she began to study its elusive history. She studied the history of the different Argentine tango eras. It was an amazing experience for her! She wanted to know more and more, she listened to the music and fell in love with it.

“I take into consideration the most suitable music to play for the dancers on that specific night. I try to select the most danceable and appropriate tandas for that evening. I also choose my cortinas to create an atmosphere of excitement and follow the theme for the night usually present at international Tango festivals.  She has DJed, in Singapore, Bali and Manila and has been invited back over the years (2018, 2019, 2020) and NZ at Summer Tango in Nelson.

Frieda has been the coordinator of Tango Synergy in Sydney  since 2009 and is now the President of the organisation.

Deb Waltenberg - Christchurch 

Deb became a DJ from her love of tango music and dance. She is a resident DJ at Sunday tango in Christchurch  as well as guest DJ at local and national events.

Deb's passion for tango music grew from her many trips to Buenos Aires, dancing and listening to the beauty of tango in the traditional milongas. Over the years she has built an extensive collection of tango music and although her preference is for the Golden Age music, there are some other very special pieces that she shares from time to time.

Deb likes to see the tango music work its magic on the dancers and is always mindful that a DJ has to watch the energy of the dancers and adapt the playlist.

She likes to take the dancers on a musical journey and looks forward to seeing you on the floor at Summer Tango in Nelson!

Brendon Varcoe - Nelson

"Tango and the country of Argentina holds a special place in my heart. I am excited to be able to share my love and passion for tango through my dj'ing. Music is such a big part of my life. As well as playing and studying bandoneon in Buenos Aires, currently I am also studying a Masters degree in Orchestration so my love of the orchestra has given me a deep appreciation for both traditional tango orchestras as well as the many incredible modern tango orchestras. I have tremendous respect for the musicians of today who continue on the tradition of playing live in the milonga as well as those who have gone before. All music evokes emotion and tango music especially, from the dramatic to the playful, the romantic to the melancholic, the best music brings out the emotion in the dance and always when I prepare a playlist I am thinking with this in the forefront of my mind. So expect a playlist full of life, emotion, a little drama and hopefully some fun, because at the end of the day we all come together in this great dance to enjoy ourselves and the people around us."

Maida Zanaboni - Auckland

I arrived in NZ , from New York City, in December 2001 with my music collection. That was the beginning of my DJ journey here. Listening to and collecting music is my bliss.  As a dancer myself, my personal taste goes into my choice of music. In all our travels, I always make it a point to return here with new and interesting tracks that I've heard from other DJ's, around the world. My aim is to keep the energy high and leave the dancers wanting more.

David Bagshaw - Nelson

David has lived and studied in Buenos Aires for extended periods since 2001. He attended many milongas in BA and studied the styles of both old and new orchestras, absorbing the very essence of tango and its music. As a DJ, his passion for tango music shows in his carefully crafted milonga playlists.