One Dance · Two Roles · Endless Possibilities
A weekend of tango, competition, and connection.
We invite you to a unique event in Miami celebrating versatility, connection, and excellence in Argentine Tango — bringing dancers, teachers, DJs, and artists from around the world together for an unforgettable weekend of competitions, workshops, milongas, and performances.
A space to explore both roles and deepen your understanding of tango, always honoring tradition and the essence of the embrace. Whether you lead, follow, or simply love tango, this festival is made to inspire and connect you.
The Miami Tango Role Switch Championship & Festival is the world’s first international Argentine Tango event dedicated to exploring, understanding, and mastering both roles.
Liliana Chenlo is a renowned professional tango dancer, international instructor, choreographer, producer, and one of the world’s leading female tango leaders. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she began her dance training at the age of eight, developing a refined technique and a powerful artistic expression that allow her to masterfully perform both roles — leader and follower. Her ability to seamlessly switch roles, including dancing in heels in both positions, has established her as a unique and influential figure in the global tango community.
She has performed extensively across Argentina and on prestigious stages in China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Turkey, Germany, France, Canada, and the United States. In 2008 she founded Open Tango in Buenos Aires, a pioneering company dedicated to offering dancers an inclusive learning environment where roles are not assigned based on gender, promoting freedom, authenticity, and equality through tango.
Liliana made history as the first woman to compete as a leader in the Buenos Aires Tango World Championship, reaching the semifinals and paving the way for greater visibility and participation of queer and same-sex couples in international tango competitions. She was also the first woman to bring Queer Tango to a major international stage as part of the acclaimed Social Tango Project, which premiered in Buenos Aires before touring throughout the United States and Canada.
Her artistic career includes performances aboard MSC Cruises, the cabaret production Vermouth alongside the Orquesta Romántica Milonguera at the iconic Salón Marabú, and collaborations in music videos with Tango Bardo Orchestra. She has also served as a judge at tango championships and festivals in both Argentina and the United States. As a producer, TDJ, and cultural entrepreneur, she is the founder and director of the International Queer Tango Festival “Love is Love” in Buenos Aires, one of Latin America’s leading inclusive tango events.
In 2026 she expanded her vision by creating and producing the Miami Tango Role Switch Championship & Festival, the first international tango championship dedicated exclusively to celebrating role versatility and role-switching in tango. Through her teaching, performances, productions, and advocacy, Liliana continues to inspire dancers worldwide, redefining traditional tango boundaries and championing a more inclusive, diverse, and evolving vision of Argentine Tango.
Liliana Chenlo is a renowned professional tango dancer, international instructor, choreographer, and producer, and one of the world’s leading female tango leaders. Born in Buenos Aires, she began training at the age of eight and masters both roles — leader and follower — including dancing in heels in both. She has performed across Argentina and on stages in China, Brazil, Turkey, France, Canada, and the United States, among others.
She made history as the first woman to compete as a leader in the Buenos Aires Tango World Championship, and was the first to bring Queer Tango to a major international stage with the Social Tango Project. She founded Open Tango in Buenos Aires, directs the International Queer Tango Festival “Love is Love”, and in 2026 created the Miami Tango Role Switch Championship & Festival — the first international championship dedicated to role versatility in tango.
Secure your spot at the Miami Tango Role Switch Championship & Festival 2026.
The Miami Tango Role Switch Championship is the first international competition dedicated to celebrating versatility, connection and creativity within tango through the exploration of both roles: Leader and Follower.
More than a competition, this event invites participants to challenge the traditional boundaries of tango and to develop a deeper understanding of the dance, demonstrating their ability to adapt, listen and communicate from different perspectives.
Participants will compete by demonstrating their ability to dance as both Leader and Follower, showcasing their musicality, technique, connection, interpretation and adaptability. Depending on the category, they may compete with an assigned partner, with a partner chosen in advance, or by switching roles during the performance.
The championship is designed to highlight the essence of social tango: listening, the embrace, improvisation and the dialogue between two people.
The jury will take into account aspects such as:
The Miami Tango Role Switch Championship was born with the mission of opening a new chapter in the history of tango, proving that a single dance can offer endless possibilities.
One Dance · Two Roles · Endless Possibilities
Video Policy — No professional video or still cameras during the Competition.
Three categories, one principle: fully improvised social tango, danced in both roles.
The first international championship of its level dedicated to officially evaluating mastery of both roles. Open to all — no age limit · no residency restrictions · any nationality.
Jack & Jill is a well-known format in partner dancing, where dancers register individually and couples are formed at random during the competition. The goal is to show the ability to improvise, connect and adapt to different partners.
Switch & Switch is a fully improvised Argentine Social Tango competition inspired by the Jack & Jill format, designed to evaluate each dancer’s excellence in both the Leader and Follower roles. Competitors register individually — pre-established couples are not allowed. Each competitor dances 3 tangos with 3 different partners, assigned at random during the round.
Partners are assigned by random draw by the organization. Competitors will not know their partner in advance. Between tangos, a die is rolled 🎲 — the number determines how many positions competitors move to find their next partner. The goal is to evaluate each dancer’s adaptability, communication and versatility with different embraces.
During each tango, the role change is announced over the microphone, and all competitors must switch from Leader to Follower or vice versa. Each participant must perform with confidence in both roles. This evaluates adaptability, versatility and technical mastery, while ensuring fluidity, safety and respect for the dynamics of the competition. Each competitor has 3 opportunities to show their ability to dance both roles and adapt to different partners.
The entire competition is fully improvised. Choreography, prepared sequences and prior agreements between competitors are not allowed.
Each round consists of 3 tangos selected by the organization. The selected pieces are announced at the time of each round.
Judges evaluate each competitor individually, considering their skill in both roles regardless of the assigned partner. The goal is to recognize dancers capable of creating an excellent social dancing experience with any partner.
Special value is placed on the ability to create a comfortable, elegant, connected and musical dance, respecting the principles of Argentine Social Tango.
Elegant attire in keeping with Argentine Tango style is recommended. Attire is not a scoring criterion, but it should respect the professional image and character of the championship.
All participants must maintain a respectful attitude toward their partners, judges, organizers and the audience. Unsporting or disrespectful conduct may result in a warning or disqualification.
Switch & Switch celebrates versatility, communication and a deep understanding of Argentine Tango through the mastery of both roles, moving through different embraces on the floor. The goal is not only to change roles, but to demonstrate the ability to lead and follow with the same quality, sensitivity and musicality — always keeping the essence of social tango. One Dance · Two Roles · Endless Possibilities ∞
The Pro-Am category is made up of a couple formed by one professional dancer and one amateur dancer. The couple dances 3 tangos, staying together throughout the entire round. This is the only category of the championship with no role switch: each participant competes throughout in the role they registered with. It is an opportunity for amateur dancers to experience competing alongside a professional.
Improvisation is mandatory; prepared choreography is not allowed. Lifts, jumps and Stage-Tango figures are not permitted.
May be an instructor, dancer or someone who earns income from teaching or dancing tango. The professional acts as the amateur’s partner and guide, but the evaluation focuses on the amateur’s performance. The professional should help the amateur express their skills, avoiding movements whose complexity would divert the evaluation from the true objective of the category. A professional may compete with several amateurs (allowed with separate registrations).
The Same Partner Role Switch category is for established couples who wish to compete together throughout the entire championship. Participants register as a couple and remain with the same partner through every round. The couple dances 2 tangos and stays together throughout the entire round. The goal is to evaluate both members’ ability to excel in the Leader and Follower roles while maintaining connection, musicality, communication and interpretive quality with their partner.
Registration is exclusively as a couple. No partner change is allowed once the registration period has closed. The same couple must compete in every round of the championship.
Couples compete in groups, dancing the tangos selected by the Organization. Each member must dance in both the Leader and Follower roles during the competition.
During each tango, the role change is announced over the microphone, at which point both members switch the Leader and Follower functions. Both dancers therefore have the opportunity to show their ability in both roles.
The same Tango de Pista (Salón) rules apply. Social-tango figures are allowed as long as they respect floor circulation and improvisation. Not permitted: prepared choreography, jumps, lifts, high ganchos, high boleos, or any resource characteristic of Stage Tango.
Championship Rounds
Judged by Virginia Vasconi, Leonardo Sardella & Fernanda Ghi. Music by DJ Alejandro Szenkman.
Music by DJ Alejandro Szenkman. Awards ceremony with 10 title presentations — prizes given by the judges, teachers, and invited artists.
The Miami Tango Role Switch Championship celebrates not only technical excellence, but also the versatility, commitment and artistic expression of every participant.
Each category will have two award positions: 1st and 2nd place. Winners will receive a combination of prizes and special recognitions, which may include:
All prizes aim to recognize the dedication, effort and passion of the dancers, as well as to support and strengthen the international tango community.
Prizes may vary by category and are subject to sponsor participation and partnerships in effect at the time of the event.
At the Miami Tango Role Switch Championship, every participant is part of a historic moment — because daring to dance both roles is, in itself, already a victory.
One Dance · Two Roles · Endless Possibilities
Secure your spot at the Miami Tango Role Switch Championship & Festival 2026.
Three days of workshops, milongas, performances and international guest artists in Miami.
Workshops, championship rounds, milongas and performances.
Download Schedule & Workshops (PDF)
The Mechanics of Turning: Understanding Both Roles.
Competitors check in and receive their competitor numbers.
Leading technique and role exploration, for all levels.
Empower Your Follower — musicality and active following technique.
Chacarera — rhythm, tradition and the spirit of Argentine folklore.
An exclusive welcome cocktail for Full VIP Pass holders with artists, judges, sponsors and special guests.
Doors open with a welcome drink for all. Opening presentation by Mariela Barufaldi, tango show by Ana Thomas & Jeremias Fors (switching roles), a folklore show by the Quiroz Brothers, and a Ronda de Maestros with a mid-tango role switch.
Competitors check in and receive their competitor numbers.
Pivoting in Close Embrace — spiraling technique and dissociation, all levels.
Switching Perspectives: Sacadas for Leaders & Followers.
The Center That Proposes and Responds — the power of the body's center.
Competitors get ready for the preliminary rounds.
Judged by Virginia Vasconi, Leonardo Sardella & Fernanda Ghi. Music by DJ Alejandro Szenkman.
Performances by Virginia Vasconi, Fernanda Ghi, Liliana Chenlo and Leonardo Sardella, closing with a full Role Switch showcase. Music by DJ Alejandro Szenkman.
Block Biomechanics Training — strengthening, alignment and body awareness.
Bring a yoga block. See the workshop details for the full list of what to bring.
One Dance, Two Roles: Giros, Dynamics & Role Switching.
Finalist competitors get ready for the closing rounds.
The closing rounds of the first international Role Switch Championship. Music by DJ Alejandro Szenkman.
Presentation of 10 championship titles, with judges, maestros and special guest artists. Music by DJ Alejandro Szenkman.
Champions' showcase and a special singing performance by Mariela Marcó, closing the festival. Music by DJ Olivia Moore.
Nine workshops across three days with our international teachers — technique, both roles, and Argentine folklore.
Download Schedule & Workshops (PDF)
The functional relationship between leader and follower.
Turning is one of the essential elements of tango. Understanding the specific function of each role during a turn is fundamental for creating clarity, fluidity, and connection.
This workshop explores the mechanics of rotation, the responsibilities of both roles, and how a deeper understanding of the partnership creates more dynamic and musical movement.
Have you ever wondered what truly changes when you switch from the follower role to the leader role?
In this workshop we explore the technical and energetic foundations of leading in tango: where leading energy comes from, how to generate intention and movement from the leader's body, and how to project a clear direction using a leader's energy rather than a follower's.
Topics include posture, axis, walking technique, connection, navigation and communication — helping participants develop the tools to lead with confidence, clarity and sensitivity while maintaining the essence of the embrace.
Perfect for followers who want to expand their dance, gain a deeper understanding of both roles, and discover a new perspective on tango.
A transformational workshop designed to deepen followers' musicality and discover their active role in the dance. Learn the techniques that create balance, confidence and freedom of movement, while exploring musical interpretation and elegant embellishments that enhance your connection to the music and your partner.
Following is not passive: it is the art of listening, interpreting, and creating.
Experience the energy, joy and tradition of one of Argentina's most beloved folk dances.
This workshop introduces the fundamentals of Chacarera, exploring its rhythm, musicality, cultural roots and traditional movements. Participants will learn the structure of the dance, partner connection, footwork, turns, and the playful dialogue that makes Chacarera such a vibrant expression of Argentine culture.
Whether you are completely new to Argentine folklore or looking to deepen your understanding of its traditions, this class offers a unique opportunity to experience the spirit and heritage of Argentina beyond tango.
Sequence for enhancing the pivot in close embrace. Spiraling technique. Different types of dissociation.
Discover how to create smoother, more efficient pivots in close embrace through the use of spiraling mechanics and dissociation. We will explore different types of upper- and lower-body dissociation, how they contribute to balance, connection and fluidity, and how to apply them in both simple and complex movements.
Through a progressive sequence of exercises and partner work, dancers of all levels will develop greater body awareness, improve rotational control and achieve more effortless pivots while maintaining a comfortable and connected embrace.
Perfect for dancers looking to refine technique, enhance movement quality and deepen their understanding of tango biomechanics.
Discover sacadas from both sides of the tango conversation. By exploring the mechanics of leading and following, dancers will gain a deeper understanding of timing, space, balance and intention.
Participants will learn leader and follower sacadas, role-switching exercises, and creative transitions that can be applied directly to social dancing.
Understanding the power of the body's center.
Gravity is one of the most important forces in tango. In this workshop we explore the immense power of the body's center — the hips — and learn how to connect the torso and the legs through this central axis.
By developing awareness of the center, dancers can create greater stability, efficiency, connection and expressive freedom in movement.
BLOCK Biomechanics Training was created in 2020 during the pandemic, through a deep exploration of movement, body awareness and personal training. It became a new way of understanding the body — one that transformed and deeply benefited my dancing.
The method focuses on strengthening, aligning and balancing the legs and feet while developing a strong awareness of the body and its natural intelligence. Through biomechanics and conscious movement, the training helps create a more fluid, organic and natural way of dancing — free from unnecessary tension, pain or stress.
A central goal of the practice is the development of proprioception: the body's internal perception, sensitivity and ability to intuitively understand movement from within.
Men are encouraged to bring two yoga blocks for greater comfort, as they may need the extra support due to larger foot size.
If you don’t have a yoga block, let the festival organizers know in advance and we’ll do our best to arrange one for you.
What happens when leaders follow and followers lead? This dynamic workshop explores the structure of giros through both roles, helping dancers develop greater awareness, sensitivity and versatility.
Through guided role-switching exercises, participants will experience the mechanics of turns from both perspectives and discover new possibilities for connection and musicality.
Video Policy — No video or still cameras during workshops, except the 5-minute class summary if the instructor allows it.
Would you like to take a private lesson with one of our teachers? Click the WhatsApp button below and we will be happy to assist you with scheduling, availability and rates.
Competition Policy — To ensure fairness, transparency and impartiality throughout the championship, competitors registered in any competition category may not take private lessons with any of the official judges before or during the festival.
Each night has its own theme — dress the part and join the spirit of every milonga.
Doors open with a welcome drink for all. Opening presentation by Mariela Barufaldi, tango show by Ana Thomas & Jeremias Fors (switching roles), a folklore show by the Quiroz Brothers, and a Ronda de Maestros with a mid-tango role switch.
Performances by Virginia Vasconi, Fernanda Ghi, Liliana Chenlo and Leonardo Sardella, closing with a full Role Switch showcase. Music by DJ Alejandro Szenkman.
Champions’ showcase and a special singing performance by Mariela Marcó, closing the festival. Music by DJ Olivia Moore.
Our Dance Assistants are experienced dancers who are there to dance with you. Reserve your tandas and enjoy the dance floor.
Add them when you register, or later from the link in your confirmation email.
They are waiting in your envelope at the registration desk. One ticket is one tanda.
At the milonga, look for the assistants wearing a numbered pin. Hand one ticket to the one you would like to dance with, and enjoy.
Secure your spot at the Miami Tango Role Switch Championship & Festival 2026.
Three days of tango in Miami. Choose your pass and come dance with us.
Secure yours before they sell out.
Register NowCompete in more, pay less.
Your pack already includes your first category. Add a second for $60 — and every category after that is only $50.
Fill in your details below and complete your payment. Your confirmation email arrives right away, with your check-in QR code.
Everything you need to know before you arrive.
The hotels listed below are provided solely as nearby accommodation options. Attendees are responsible for making and managing their own reservations directly with the hotel of their choice.
Three ways to park near the venue, all marked on the map above.
Right outside the venue
Metered spots on Pine Tree Drive. Pay from your phone with PayByPhone or ParkMobile — download one before you arrive.
Right next to the venue
The most convenient option, and the most expensive.
340 23rd Street · about 10 minutes on foot
Covered municipal garage, open 24 hours, ten minutes on foot from the venue.
Secure your spot at the Miami Tango Role Switch Championship & Festival 2026.
Interested in sponsoring or joining as a vendor?
Interested in sponsoring or joining as a vendor?
Tango dresses
Tango dresses
Tango shoes
Tango shoes
Tango clothing for men
Hair & makeup by Martina Waldman. Book your appointment for the competition and find the look that makes you feel confident and unforgettable.
More vendors coming soon
We are confirming the rest of the vendors who will join us in Miami.
Interested in a vendor space at the festival?
Request a SpaceSecure your spot at the Miami Tango Role Switch Championship & Festival 2026.
Everything you need to know before joining us in Miami.
Questions about registration, competition categories, or festival information? Reach out anytime.
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One Dance • Two Roles • Endless Possibilities
Secure your spot at the Miami Tango Role Switch Championship & Festival 2026.