Oxford Tango Academy

Oxford Tango Academy has been the leading tango school in Oxford for over 15 years. Run by Dante Culcuy and Lilie Festa, the academy teaches Argentine Tango using methods passed down from generations of great tango maestros of Argentina. Dante started dancing tango in his home town of Jujuy, a province in the north of Argentina, where he studied ballet with Fulvia Chagra de Gruber and Andrei Kozlov (ex principal dancer of the Kiev Opera). He has been dancing tango for over 18 years and performed in many famous milongas in Buenos Aires before moving to the UK in 2008, where he started his own tango school. Dante and his former partner Miriam Orcutt were invited to teach and perform in various countries across Europe, South and North America, Asia and Africa, and participated in festivals including the Mallorca Tango Festival, Porto International Tango Festival, Ulverston Music Festival and the International Book Fair in Guadalajara. Dante organises the Oxford Tango Festival, which is now in its seventh year and attracts dancers from across Europe.

Lilie Festa trained at Oxford Tango Academy and later in Buenos Aires with Andrès Cejas, Pablo Giorgini, Sabrina Velis and Virginia Pandolfi. She has been partnering Dante in group classes since 2021 and works at both Oxford Tango Academy and Northern Tango Academy.

Group classes are at the heart of the academy and are designed to be fun yet challenging, helping you progress from week to week at affordable prices. Classes range from complete beginner to advanced level. No partner is required and there is no need to book — just show up. A discount is offered on the second class. The academy runs classes across multiple locations: Monday evening classes (beginners, improvers, and intermediate) take place at St Columba's United Reformed Church on Alfred Street, Oxford. Wednesday evening classes (advanced and guided practica) are held at St Lukes Parish Hall on Erleigh Road in Reading. Saturday afternoon classes (beginners, improvers, and milonga/vals) run at The Abbey School on Kendrick Road in Reading.

The academy hosts welcoming and friendly milongas (social dancing events) where dancers of all levels come to dance, with people attending from different cities across the UK and abroad. You are encouraged to attend even if you are new to tango, as watching other dancers, socialising and listening to the music are good ways to deepen your appreciation and understanding of the dance.

Beyond regular classes, Oxford Tango Academy offers private lessons, workshops, and immersive experiences including tango holidays to Buenos Aires and Jujuy. The academy also specialises in wedding dances, creating individualised choreographies tailored to couples' music choices and personal style. Wedding packages include varying numbers of private and group classes, and the team meets with couples to discuss clothing, shoes, space and music to ensure the dance is perfect for their special day.

Drop into a group class at one of the three locations — no booking needed. You'll find welcoming instructors and fellow learners at all levels, from complete beginners through to advanced dancers. Classes are structured, fun and challenging, and a discount applies if you take a second class.

Dante Culcuy is the teacher and director. He has danced tango for over 18 years, performed in Buenos Aires milongas, and has taught tango for over fifteen years. Lilie Festa is also a teacher and director, trained at Oxford Tango Academy and in Buenos Aires with multiple maestros, and has been partnering Dante in group classes since 2021.

Classes range from complete beginner to advanced level, no partner required, and you are encouraged to attend social milongas even if new to tango.