Our Local DJs
Cecil Ho
Tango DJ since 2008
Cecil fell in love with tango not only for the dance, but for the way the music brings people together. As a DJ, he enjoys creating a welcoming atmosphere on the dance floor, choosing music that inspires connection, playfulness, and expression of emotions.
With a deep appreciation for golden age as well as modern orchestras, Cecil crafts tandas aimed at creating a flow that feels like a natural progression culminating in a tanda that ends with dancers wanting more while keeping the energy balanced throughout the night. Cortinas are chosen with care, offering dancers just the right energy before the next embrace.
Whether playing for a small práctica or a busy milonga, Cecil’s goal is simple: to make every tanda an invitation to share the passion that brings the tango community together and to leave wanting more.
Dmitri Ponarin
Bio coming soon
Elizabeth Brooks Oakley
Elizabeth started dancing Tango in Los Angeles before moving to Durham, NC. Nobody warned her what she was in for. After her first milonga, she couldn’t get some of the songs out of her head. They have stayed there ever since. As a voice and sound therapist, it seems natural she would continue to deepen her love of the dance by immersing herself in the music. She is fortunate to have been inspired by so many talented dancers and DJ’s along the way, and strives to mimic the rich rollercoaster of life in her Djing; evoking a range of sensations; from playfulness to drama and everything in between. She is grateful to her cat, and her kids who have allowed her to practice this, and especially the Durham, NC Tango community, where she began her DJ journey.
She also believes in keeping the humor alive by making funny videos about tango @tangofunnies
Mitch Lee
My musical journey began as a music broadcasting producer during my high school years and has evolved into a deep passion for Argentine Tango, leading me to specialize as a Tango DJ since 2016. Over the years, I've been fortunate to become an integral part of the local tango community, curating memorable experiences across diverse events.
My DJing approach emphasizes creating an atmosphere of passion and profound emotion. I craft customized playlists thoughtfully tailored to each event, considering the skill level of dancers, group size, location, and the unique character of the gathering. While my heart belongs to the Golden Age of tango, I also thoughtfully incorporate contemporary orchestras; provided their interpretations remain true to the essence of traditional tango.
I stay closely connected with current trends, regularly analyzing the most popular performances by renowned professional tango couples all of the countries. By integrating these fresh insights into my own musical selections, I create engaging, up-to-date tandas for dancers eager to explore the full spectrum of tango music.
Join me on an inspiring tango journey designed to ignite the passion for dance in every corazón.
Jae Youn
As a DJ, Jae loves the challenge of keeping dancers on the floor to the very last tanda. Her music selection is responsive, guided by her sensitivity to the energy of a milonga. Her music library is focused on the traditional masters.
John Singletary
John Singletary, native of Durham, North Carolina, welcomes all levels of dancers to his milongas and practicas, filled with classic tandas, thematic cortinas, and fun! His expertise transcends music mixing: John is a connoisseur of the tango experience, with over 18 years of dancing tango under his belt, he brings a depth of understanding to the art of crafting the perfect milonga atmosphere. Having navigated countless dance floors and embraced the nuances of this captivating dance, he has an intuitive grasp of what moves the soul and fills the pista.