The American LGBTQ+ Museum

EVENT DETAILS

Join us for a night exploring the rich, often overlooked history of queer tango—from its origins in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires to its reinvention within contemporary LGBTQ+ dance communities around the world. The evening will begin with a presentation on how queer dancers have reclaimed and reshaped tango traditions by challenging rigid gender roles and embracing fluidity on the dance floor. Featured dancers will then present a live performance highlighting the artistry and improvisational spirit at the heart of queer tango, before leading participants in an interactive workshop where attendees can learn movements and explore partner dancing beyond gender roles—no experience necessary.

FEATURING

Performance: Phi Lee Lam (@lanuestratango) and Luna Beller-Tadiar (@lunalunabt)

Live Music: Barrio Tango Orchestra (@barriotangoorchestra)

History Presentation: Mercedes Liska

Intro class: Luna Beller-Tadiar

Community Performance, including: Arty and Noah Wharton of @qpdnyc ; Leo (@leosardella) and Walter; Matilda; Mikael Schulz; Norma Leal; Julia; Fabiana (@queerargentinefolklore_nyc); Eddie; Patricia Maria; Matías

HOSTED BY LUNA BELLER-TADIAR

Luna Beller-Tadiar (she/they) is a queer mixed-US-Filipinx multi-media artist and performer who works in choreography, video, text, and image. As a tango dancer she has been anchored in the international queer tango community since 2018, and has interpreted, organized, danced, and taught for queer tango organizations in Valencia, Paris, Lyon, Berlin, New York, Berkeley, and Buenos Aires.

Luna’s contemporary dance-choreography work has been shown at Movement Research Judson Church; Triskelion Arts; Ailey Theater; Mark Morris Dance Center; the 92NY;  Yale University; in La Union (Philippines); in Buenos Aires (Argentina); and in 2024 earned her recognition as a Jadin Wong Artist of Exceptional Merit from the Asian American Art Alliance. She brings a background in martial arts and contemporary dance to her tango work, and has recently performed tango with Palaver Strings on their Port City tour; at WQXR radio; at the Brooklyn Pride Milonga; and for Carsie Blanton. Luna has taught tango at Duke University, McGill University, University of Michigan, the Dance Studies Association Conference, American Dance Festival Studios, Playhouse Labs, Abrazo Queer Tango. She teaches queer tango regularly at The Center for LGBT Life, helping to shape a new generation of queer tango in in her hometown of NYC.

ABOUT REVERB: COLLABORATION WITH AMERICAN LGBTQ+ MUSEUM

An immersive program series that connects the echoes of queer history to the present through captivating history lessons and live performances. Each event features a blend of lectures, music, dance, and interactive experiences, all set within a casual, speakeasy atmosphere. Participants can explore archival materials and ephemera that highlight a unique aspect of queer history, showcasing how its reverberations continue to shape and influence the LGBTQ+ community. Reverb creates a space to cultivate a deeper connection to queer history through both education and expression.

ABOUT AMERICAN LGBTQ+ MUSEUM

The American LGBTQ+ Museum (ALM) preserves, investigates, and celebrates the dynamic histories and cultures of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, as well as those of the emergent and adjacent identities among our communities. Using exhibitions and programs, we seek to advance LGBTQ+ equality through the lens of social justice movements, including, but not limited to, race, gender, class, immigration, and disability. Follow us and learn more at https://americanlgbtqmuseum.org.

ABOUT CULTURE LAB LIC

Culture Lab LIC is a 501(c)(3) formed to be the arts and culture umbrella for Western Queens. We present local, national, and international art of all genres, while supporting New York artists and other nonprofits by providing space, resources and a sense of community. Operating out of a 12,000 square foot converted warehouse, Culture Lab LIC hosts two fine art galleries, an 80 seat theater, classroom space, an 18,000 square foot outdoor venue, and a robust residency program. Culture Lab LIC is dedicated to upholding, equity, diversity and inclusion across all our platforms. Learn more at https://www.culturelablic.org.

ACCESSIBILITY

• The Gallery at Culture Lab LIC is wheelchair accessible from the street
• ASL Interpretation will be provided upon request | please email info@americanlgbtqmuseum.org at least one week prior to the program

Culture Lab LIC strives to ensure that its services are accessible to people with disabilities. Culture Lab LIC has invested a significant amount of resources to help ensure that its website is made easier to use and more accessible for people with disabilities, with the strong belief that website accessibility efforts assist all users and that every person has the right to live with dignity, equality, comfort and independence. Learn more at: https://www.culturelablic.org/accessibility.

ABOUT THE PHOTO

From the Queer Tango Image Archive.

Viola Dana and Shirley Mason appeared as Mr and Mrs Rodolph Valentino in the Actors’ Fund Benefit Show in Los Angeles and scored with the Argentine tango. Photoplay Magazine, 1924. The women were sisters and Dana was a successful silent movie star.