Founded in 2006, Esquina Tango is a nonprofit cultural center dedicated to sharing the love of dance and bringing Latin American culture to the Austin community. Through hard work and community support, we transformed an old East Austin church into a vibrant cultural hub — intentionally choosing the neighborhood for its cultural richness and accessibility.
Inspired by Argentina’s La Boca, our colorful building and welcoming space create a unique experience for all who enter. What began as a tango studio has grown into a thriving center hosting community events, Spanish and Portuguese classes, and dances like tango, samba, and salsa aerobics. We also offer specialized wellness programs for Parkinson’s, youth, seniors, first responders, and the LGBTQ+ community — because dance and movement are for everyone.
With a team of 16 to 20 professional instructors and guest artists, we teach an average of 25 lessons a week — over 1,300 classes a year — and host 2 to 3 social events per week, totaling over 130 events a year. Over 20 years, we have offered nearly 20,000 classes, close to 2,000 community events, and served nearly 200,000 people — continuing to enrich lives through dance and culture.
Our Mission
Esquina Tango creates vibrant, connected communities through teaching and celebrating dance, language, and culture. We actively nurture and support artists, while promoting all dance forms with an emphasis on Latin American traditions.
Our Values
Cultural Celebration
Connection
Community
Diversity
Accessibility
Education
Our Vision
Esquina Tango envisions vibrant communities thriving and connecting through the transformative power of dance and cultural sharing.
Racial Equity Statement
At Esquina Tango, we recognize Tango, Salsa, Cumbia, Bachata, Samba, and other Latin American dances as living cultural traditions shaped by Black, Indigenous, and immigrant communities. We honor their roots in the African diaspora, Indigenous traditions, and the histories of the Americas.
We strive to create a space grounded in respect, curiosity, and care—on and off the dance floor. We believe racial equity strengthens our community and deepens our connection to tango.
We are committed to fostering an environment where people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, and identities feel welcomed, respected, and safe. Racial equity is an ongoing practice that requires reflection, accountability, and action.
Esquina Tango Day
Esquina Tango On December 11th, 2025, we gathered at Austin City Hall to celebrate Esquina Tango Proclamation Day! The City of Austin officially recognized Esquina Tango for uplifting cultural diversity and nurturing artistic spaces in our city -the celebration was open to the public. This was a huge milestone for the Latin dance community, not only in Austin but in the state and the country. Esquina Tango
2026 Esquina Staff
Areli Buenrostro, Ariana Sosa, Carlos Amaro, Gracia Tanger, Danielle Carey, Gustavo Simplis, Jessica Briones, Marcela Vega, Monica Caivano, Nancy Zepeda, & Sydney Briggs.
2026 Board Members
Gentil Cabral, Glenn Meter, Martha Ramos Duffer, Michelle Wald, Mickey Jacobs, and Will Juste.
