Club de Tango

Club de Tango is Sydney's longest-running Argentine Tango school, established in 1999 by co-founders Lisa De Lazzari and Peter Waller. The school teaches authentic Argentine Tango across three locations: Sydney CBD (St Laurence Church Hall, 505 Pitt Street), Pyrmont (Pyrmont Community Centre, 79A John Street), and Glebe (Glebe Town Hall, 160 St Johns Road).

Classes are structured by level. At Pyrmont on Monday evenings, Beginner 1 and Beginner 2 courses run for 6 weeks (7–7:50pm and 8–8:50pm respectively). At Sydney CBD on Tuesdays, you can choose Beginner 1 (6:30–7:30pm), Beginner 2 (6:30–7:30pm), Improvers (7:30–8:30pm), or Intermediate & Advanced (7:30–8:30pm). On Friday evenings at Glebe, a combined Beginner & Open Class runs before La Milonga, held on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. All beginner courses cost $140 per person for 6 weeks, with discounts available for early payment. Intermediate & Advanced sessions offer casual drop-in passes at $30 or a 6-class pass at $140 (valid for 8 weeks).

Lisa De Lazzari and Peter Waller each bring over 25 years of teaching experience. Lisa is one of Australia's leading Tango DJs, awarded Best Local DJ in Sydney and performing at major milongas, the Sydney International Tango Festival, and Australian Tango Championships. She combines classical ballet training with postgraduate teaching studies. Peter is a recognised Tango Championships judge accredited by the Buenos Aires governing board and directed the Sydney International Tango Festival (2005–2006); he has judged Salon & Stage Tango Finals at the Sydney Opera House. Both have trained with respected Argentine masters and danced at leading milongas in Buenos Aires. Their students hold the most successful record at the Australian Tango Championships, with many now teaching themselves.

The school hosts La Milonga, Sydney's longest-running weekly social dance, at Glebe Town Hall—described as the birthplace of tango in Sydney. Milongas are held fortnightly with curated music by Lisa De Lazzari. The school also offers private lessons ($150 per hour including room hire and one teacher) and a Bridal Tango Course for couples preparing their first wedding dance. Classes are kept small—typically fewer than 15 students—ensuring personal guidance. The teaching philosophy emphasises authentic Argentine tango over fixed choreography, focusing on musicality, connection, and improvisation. The atmosphere is inclusive, welcoming dancers from their early 20s to their 70s, with no partner required; instructors maintain balanced leader–follower ratios and encourage partner rotation.

Your first session costs $30, credited toward your course fee if you continue. You'll learn the fundamental walk and embrace gradually, moving to music from your opening lesson. Classes are small and welcoming; no special shoes or clothing needed, just comfortable clothes that let you move freely.

Co-founders Lisa De Lazzari and Peter Waller each have over 25 years of teaching experience. Lisa is one of Australia's leading Tango DJs, awarded Best Local DJ in Sydney and performing at the Sydney International Tango Festival and Australian Tango Championships. Peter is a recognised Tango Championships judge accredited by Buenos Aires and has judged finals at the Sydney Opera House. Both have trained with respected Argentine masters.

Argentine tango is accessible to people without dance experience; instructors introduce the fundamental walk and embrace gradually, and most beginners notice progress within a few classes.