The American Tango Institute (ATI) is not just a name or an organization —it’s a living tribute to a movement, a vibrant expression of culture, that changed lives, connected strangers, and built bridges between cultures, but above all, it is a love story between Chicago and Argentine Tango. ATI was never just about tango—it was about people. About history. About a dream to make an old, passionate, and deeply human artform a part of modern life in Chicago. Founded in 2005 by Netza Roldan, ATI was inspired by a long lineage of teachers, dancers, and organizers who carried the torch before him. ATI simply picked it up, walked with it for a time, and now, in turn, hands it off to new generations.
The roots of this story go far deeper than any one person or organization. Argentine Tango in Chicago found fertile ground in the 1990s, thanks to a remarkable group of visionaries who laid the foundation for what would later become a vibrant and diverse tango community. These were people of immense dedication—organizers and teachers who offered classes in church basements, union halls, community centers, and dance studios long before tango had the popularity or recognition it enjoys today.
Charlotte Vikstrom, with her grace and commitment, gave tango visibility through her teaching and tireless work promoting the art. Al Gates brought joy and consistency with his dance events, and Phoebe Grant helped many find not just their first tango steps, but their first tango family. Fred Romero, one of the first instructors of ATI, brought discipline and soul to his lessons, embodying the emotional depth of the dance. And perhaps most unforgettable for those who lived it, were Bob Dronski and Kathleen Kreher, founders of the acclaimed Tango Nada Más studio and milonga—a sanctuary of music, elegance, and devotion to the artform. Along with another key figure, Jorge Niedas, they were among the most influential teachers and community builders in the late 1990s. Their vision and perseverance helped shape what tango in Chicago would become.
Without these pioneers, there would have been no ATI. Netza Roldan, the founder of the American Tango Institute, often acknowledges that ATI was built on their shoulders. Inspired by their example, Netza brought his own unique passion and background into the tango world.
Netza’s journey with tango began far earlier, in his childhood, surrounded by the nostalgic sounds of tangos sung and danced at small home gatherings hosted by his grandmother, the celebrated Mexican actress Kathy Chávez. In the 1940s, she was the lead in Percal, a magazine-style soap opera inspired by the tango song of the same name, performed by the great, acclaimed tango interpreter for over 8 decades, Alberto Podestá. Her character’s name “Malena”—another beloved tango classic. These family milongas weren’t just entertainment; they were portals into a world of passion, music, storytelling, and connection. That early exposure marked Netza profoundly and planted the seed that would grow into the American Tango Institute.
With that spirit, ATI was born. From its studio in the West Loop of Chicago,
For over a decade, ATI’s studio in Chicago’s West Loop hosted a legendary and one of the most successful and longest-running milongas in the city every Saturday night, where dancers of all levels and backgrounds gathered in a space filled with music, laughter, connection, and elegance. On many occasions, more than 175 people filled the floor—creating an atmosphere of intimacy and celebration that few venues could match. These nights were electric—a mix of seasoned milongueros, curious newcomers, live music, visiting performers, and a shared reverence for the emotional richness of tango. ATI’s milonga was a beating heart of the tango scene, offering a space not just for dance, but for connection, discovery, and belonging.
Yet, ATI’s reach extended far beyond the walls of its studio. For eight consecutive years, Netza taught tango every single day of the week, bringing his teaching to Downtown Chicago, Palatine, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, Winnetka, and of course, at ATI’s home base. He introduced countless individuals to the world of tango, always with the belief that anyone—regardless of background or ability—could connect with this profound artform. His vision was clear: Tango belonged everywhere and to everyone.
ATI became a pioneer and a risk taker in its own right. It dared to experiment with new formats, bringing many “firsts” to the Chicago tango community—organizing international festivals, producing theatrical tango performances, creating outreach programs that used tango as a tool for therapy and emotional healing, and exploring the spiritual and philosophical essence of tango as a metaphor for life. Netza often described tango as a “bridge to world culture,” a path to self-discovery, and a sacred space for connection. Through ATI, he shared that vision freely and passionately.
Yet, ATI never claimed to be the first. On the contrary, Netza and the ATI team have always honored the foundational work of the early tango community in Chicago
Then came COVID-19. Like so many cultural institutions and dance spaces around the world, ATI’s momentum was halted by the pandemic. The community paused. Events stopped. People were forced into isolation, and the dance that depended on physical connection became impossible. In the wake of these changes, Netza made the difficult decision to take a step back from ATI and from the tango world. After so many years of service, the journey required a pause. ATI ceased its activities, entering a period of reflection and silence, like many others who had to adapt to a world forever changed.
We share this history not out of vanity or nostalgia, but to give credit where it’s due. Thousands of people have contributed, in ways big and small, to the development of Chicago’s tango community. Their presence, energy, and passion built something extraordinary. And as new dancers, organizers, and aficionados discover this magical world, we believe it’s essential for them to understand the legacy they now carry forward.
Yet, tango never left Netza’s heart. Though the time for leading large events had passed, a new chapter began—one rooted in mentorship, support, and advocacy. Today, Netza dedicates most of his time to running the Binational Institute of Human Development (BIHD), a nonprofit organization he founded to empower immigrant communities across borders. BIHD provides critical immigration legal services, small business support, financial literacy programs, and cross-cultural development. With offices and programs in both the U.S. and Mexico, BIHD stands as a beacon for justice, empowerment, and human dignity. It is a testament to Netza’s broader mission: to build bridges where there are walls, to create spaces for healing, and to advocate for those who are too often forgotten.
Despite the demands of this work, Netza has quietly returned to tango—this time in a more intimate, focused way. On Tuesdays, he teaches in Des Plaines alongside his long-time partner in dance and instruction, Tatyana Vaskanich. Together, they continue the tradition of sharing tango with warmth, elegance, and respect. On Thursdays, he teaches new enthusiasts at KRUG in Wheeling, offering them their very first steps into this profound and life-altering journey.
Now, his role is that of a supporter—a promoter of the new generation of tango organizers, teachers, and dancers. He believes the responsibility to carry tango forward lies with those now taking their place in the circle. And to them, he offers encouragement, wisdom, and heartfelt congratulations.
We want to offer a heartfelt abrazo to today’s tango organizers and promoters in Chicago and beyond. You are the stewards of this beautiful artform. The responsibility—and the joy—is now yours to continue building a community where tango can thrive and touch thousands more lives.
Because tango is not just dance steps. It’s a soulful language. It’s what happens when music meets emotion, and when strangers connect through a single embrace. It has the power to awaken something deeply human and intimate in those who let it in.
To the new dancers, to the curious hearts stepping onto the floor for the first time: welcome. You are not just learning steps. You are joining a legacy. One built by pioneers in the 1990s, expanded by communities like ATI in the 2000s, and now passed on to you. Tango will challenge you, enchant you, and change you. It will teach you how to listen—not only to the music or your partner, but to yourself.
The dance continues. And so does the story.