Delgado Tango Academy

Delgado Tango Academy is run by Pali and Marcelo Delgado, two Argentine tango dancers and choreographers based in Manly, Sydney. Pali comes from Thailand; Marcelo from Argentina. They met in Sydney over a decade ago and have since built a teaching practice around their shared passion for tango and human connection.

Both instructors bring serious credentials. Marcelo and Pali have trained with world-class maestros in Argentina and beyond, and have earned multiple 1st Place Championship titles competing internationally. Recent competition wins include 1st Place Champion at the 2025 TangotoCUP in Istanbul (Tango Salon Social Category), 1st Place at the 2025 Southern California Tango Championship in LA (Tango Amateur Category), and 3rd Place Champion at the 2025 Jesolo Open Cup in Italy (Milonga Category). They also competed in the 2024 Official Preliminary of Tango BA World Cup in New Zealand in the Tango de Pista Category. Their teaching carries the weight of over 20 years of combined experience.

Classes are tailored to students at all levels, from complete beginners to experienced dancers. The academy emphasises connection, technique, and musicality. A new small-group tango class runs every Wednesday at the Manly studio. Beyond group classes, the academy offers personalised instruction, with teachers working as both leader and follower so students gain perspective from both roles. The focus on foundations and refinement is paired with an emphasis on the philosophy and essence of traditional Argentine tango.

The academy's scope extends beyond weekly classes. Pali and Marcelo offer bespoke tango performances for weddings, corporate events, private parties, festivals, and film and TV work. They also teach Tango & Relationship Coaching for Couples, Tango for Business Success, Leadership & Team Building, and Mindset Coaching. Pali recently completed Gyrotonic® foundation training in Venice, Italy, and the academy now offers Gyrotonic® classes as part of its holistic movement approach. The instructors also run Tango Immersion Holidays and Tango Stay & Play experiences, and sell tango shoes and clothing. Visiting maestros are hosted periodically.

Student testimonials consistently highlight the personalised attention, detail-oriented teaching, and warm, encouraging environment. One student noted that having access to both a leader and follower "really deepens your understanding of the dance." Another praised their "focus on foundations, refinement, and the philosophy of tango" and described leaving every session "feeling amazing — motivated, inspired, and eager for more." The studio location in Manly is accessible by public transport and car.

A small-group class focused on connection and technique, taught by championship-level dancers who work as both leader and follower. Classes are tailored to meet you where you are, whether you're a complete beginner or experienced dancer.

Pali and Marcelo Delgado are the founders and lead instructors. Pali, originally from Thailand, came to tango after first hearing it in Buenos Aires in 2001 and now works as a certified life and relationship coach alongside her dance teaching. Marcelo grew up in Buenos Aires immersed in tango culture, later moved to Australia, and reconnected with the dance as an adult. Together they have won multiple 1st Place Championship titles in international tango competitions and bring over 20 years of combined experience. Both have trained with world-class maestros in Argentina and beyond.

Classes are personalised to meet you at your level, from complete beginners onwards, with a focus on connection and confidence-building.