Urbana Tango week heats up with music, dance, and celebration: Community Focus With Callie Luttman

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – The rhythms of Argentina are sweeping through Champaign-Urbana this week as CU Tango Music, a local nonprofit, hosts its annual Urbana Tango Week, a six-day celebration of tango performance, education, and community connection.

Running from July 21 through July 26, Urbana Tango Week offers locals and visitors alike a rare opportunity to experience the magic of Argentine tango through live music, dance workshops, films, and cultural showcases—much of it free to the public.

The week kicks off with an intimate film screening of The Hidden Side of Tango at The Gallery Art Bar, followed by nightly events including a faculty concert at the Rose Bowl Tavern, open dance lessons, a tango jam session, and even a kid-friendly music exploration at the Urbana Free Library. The week culminates in a grand Saturday night milonga—a traditional tango social dance—featuring live music performed by participants of CU Tango Music’s immersive workshop.

Founded in 2021, CU Tango Music grew out of the pandemic era as a way to reconnect artists and celebrate the enduring spirit of tango. “It started with just wanting to play with friends again,” said Amanda Ramey, Artistic Director and violinist. “We invited some visiting musicians and put together a concert outdoors—and the energy was incredible.”

Link to Callie’s interview on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/illini-radio-group/focus-cu-tango-musics-urbana-tango-week-july-21-26?si=63911ea9e09f44e0843aca53e21a9219&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Now in its third year, the workshop brings together over 30 musicians from across North America to study tango technique with internationally acclaimed instructors, including Julian Peralta, a pioneer in modern Argentine tango, and musicians from both Argentina and the U.S. Participants study tango history, theory, and ensemble work throughout the week.

“Playing tango music is different from classical music—it’s about style, rhythm, and the soul of the dance,” said En-Chi Lin, Executive Director and long-time dancer. “We want to give people the tools to not just play it, but to feel it.”

Urbana Tango Week also aims to make tango accessible. Whether you’re a lifelong dancer or simply tango-curious, you’re welcome. A Wednesday night beginner class promises to get anyone moving—“If you can walk, you can tango,” En-Chi Lin adds.

Events are hosted throughout Urbana, including the Rose Bowl Tavern, Urbana Free Library, and other local venues. Most events are free, with the exception of the final Saturday milonga, which includes a modest ticketed entry.

Looking ahead, CU Tango Music will continue its mission with upcoming events including a Tango Showcase at the C-U Folk & Roots Festival on October 4, and its flagship CU Tango Music Festival, slated for April 16–19, 2026.

Stay updated by visiting seeyoutangomusic.org or following CU Tango Music on Facebook and Instagram.