In this episode of Staying Grounded, we’re joined by Germán & Nicholás Filipeli, the dynamic twin duo in the tango world. Known as the Filipeli Brothers, they share their journey in tango, exploring how their unique styles differ while being part of the same duo. From early beginnings to their rise as performers, they discuss how they balance their personal lives with their professional careers.

Tune in to hear about:

• The differences in Germán and Nicholás’ tango styles.

• The fun and challenges of being mistaken for each other.

• How their connection influences their tango performances.

• Their perspectives on what it means to be part of the tango community.

Germán & Nicholás Filipeli World Championship 2019 Performance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50Ekudn8IyE&ab_channel=AiresDeMilonga

Germán & Nicholás Filipeli Clown Performance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbLw2BJm1cs&ab_channel=ARGTANGOSProfessionaltangodancersandteachers

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A product of Vienna Tango School LLC
Produced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon Zhang
Edited by Jon Zhang
Business & Media inquiries: [email protected]

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Tango’s marathon boom promised cheaper travel weekends, no performances, and wall-to-wall dancing—but at what price to your local scene? In this episode, Amanda, Melody & Jon dig into the history of marathons, the invite-only trend, and strategies to balance big-weekend buzz with a vibrant home milonga.

• Marathon vs. festival: origins, pricing & the “no performances” ethos
• How private, curated events reshape social dynamics—and spark FOMO
• The unintended cost to local classes, milongas, and newcomer growth
• Ideas to keep hometown tango thriving alongside marathon travel

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A product of Vienna Tango School LLC
Produced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon Zhang
Edited by Jon Zhang
Business & Media inquiries: [email protected]

Is your tango crowd a genuine support system—or a “summer-camp friendship” that fades outside the milonga?
We test the word community, share how marriage, babies, and break-ups rewired our own tango ties, and ask if giving more than you get is the only way to make the dance family stick.

Episode highlights

• Community defined: geographic, interest-based, and true support circles

• Why tango cohorts vanish—and how to stay when your friends move on

• Vulnerability & reciprocity: the chemistry behind friendships that last

• Parents, newcomers, retirees: can one scene meet every life phase?

• Your turn: is what happens on the floor real connection…or context?

Enjoying the conversation? Follow Staying Grounded on Spotify; new episodes will meet you on the dance floor every week.

A product of Vienna Tango School LLC
Produced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon Zhang
Edited by Jon Zhang
Business & media inquiries: [email protected]

Door fees are climbing—so are drop‑in dancers quietly dropping out? Melody, Amanda, and Jon test the real cost of a night out, compare U.S. prices to bargain‑priced socials abroad, and debate whether early‑bird or “host” discounts could close the gap.

Episode highlights

• The sticker‑shock math: what your entry fee covers vs. what it doesn’t

• Global snapshot—ultra‑low‑cost milongas in Seoul & Istanbul

• Hidden U.S. costs (no subsidies, pricey third‑spaces) that inflate admission

• Tiered & early‑bird pricing: do they work, or just shift the burden?

• Open call: ideas for keeping newcomers and retirees in the room

Enjoying the show? Follow Staying  Grounded on Spotify so the next discussion lands in your queue automatically!

A product of Vienna Tango School LLC
Produced by Amanda Garley, Melody Yazdani, and Jon Zhang
Edited by Jon Zhang
Business & media inquiries: [email protected]

Is tango automatically sensual—or is that just clever marketing?
This week Amanda, Melody and John debate the myths and chemistry behind Argentine tango, swapping candid stories and practical tips for keeping the embrace comfortable for everyone.

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• Sensual, sexual or simply sensorial?
• Real-world examples of “crossing the line”
• Oxytocin, flow state & the science behind the hug
• Reading your partner: cues, consent and comfort
• Does sexy advertising shape what newcomers expect?
• Listener challenge: weigh in with your own experience

Staying Grounded is a Vienna Tango School LLC PodcastProduced by Jon ZhangInquiries: [email protected]

Special guest maestros Lorena Tarantino & Gianpiero Galdi sit down with Melody and Amanda to explore:

• How real musicality begins only when the music flows back out of your body

• Proven ways to keep newcomers engaged and retain dancers in a growing tango community

• Gianpiero’s favorite quote (“Knowledge is not free; you have to pay attention”) and what it means for your practice

• Performing vs. social dancing: opening the “expressive channel” on cue without losing authenticity

• Cultural roots vs. global growth: why tango is a human art that belongs to everyone who nurtures it

  
  

Sources for Quotes Gianpiero references:

• Richard P. Feynman
• Muhammad Ali
• Gustav Mahler

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Staying Grounded #11 – When the DJ Gets It Right
Ever had a night where every tanda felt like magic? In this episode, Amanda and Melody dive into the DJ’s role in creating an unforgettable milonga. From classic orchestras to balancing high and low energy, plus the secret power of cortinas, they explore how thoughtful music choices can transform the entire tango experience.

Highlights

• Golden Era must-haves: which orchestras keep dancers coming back

• Exploring modern vs. traditional tunes without killing the vibe

• Why cortinas are more important than you might think

• Common DJ missteps – and how to dodge them

• Pro tips for reading the crowd and shaping a perfect flow

Share your favorite DJ moments, and be sure to follow so you never miss an episode!

Staying Grounded #10 – Your First Tango Festival/Marathon
Curious what to pack, how to pace yourself, or why you might need a spare pair of shoes? In this episode, Amanda, Melody, and Jon share all the best tips for making your first tango festival or marathon a success. From planning your classes to navigating after-parties (and yes, finding time to sleep), get the inside scoop on preparing for a weekend of intense dancing, learning, and community-building.

Highlights

• What to bring and how to pack (so your feet, and roommates, thank you)

• Balancing classes, milongas, and social time without burning out

• Common pitfalls first-timers face—and how to avoid them

• The difference between festivals and marathons (and which might suit you best)

• Practical pointers for post-event recovery: rest, notes, and putting new skills to use

Have questions or favorite festival stories? Let us know, and be sure to follow so you never miss an episode!

Staying Grounded #9 – Rejection Part 2
Still feeling the sting of “no” on the dance floor? In this follow-up to our previous episode, Amanda, Melody, and Jon dig deeper into why some dancers get turned down—and how to handle it without losing your cool. From working on your dance skills to simply breaking the ice in conversation, discover practical ways to move past rejection and find your footing in the tango community.

Highlights

• Why it’s not always about you: understanding the many reasons behind “no”

• Strategies for building confidence (and community) when you’re feeling shut out

• When it might be time to invest in classes, privates, or a fresh approach

• The difference between a soft pass and a hard refusal—and how to tell them apart

• Real talk: how personal perceptions and biases shape who gets asked (and who doesn’t)

Got your own rejection stories or tips? Let us know, and be sure to follow so you never miss an episode!

Staying Grounded #8 – Chasing the Tango High
What is the “tango high,” and why do so many dancers become hooked on it? In this episode, Amanda, Melody, and Jon explore how mind, body, and music combine to create unforgettable, transcendent moments on the dance floor. From bursts of pure joy to deep emotional releases, discover the science behind why tango fuels such a powerful sense of connection—and how you can find more of it in your dance.

Highlights

• The difference between a good dance and a full-on “tangasm”
• Why chasing this bliss can make tango so addictive
• How music, emotion, and mindfulness align in those perfect moments
• Feeling the joy off the floor: the power of tango community
• Personal stories on memorable (and unexpected) tango highs

Share your own “tango high” stories with us, and don’t forget to follow so you never miss an episode!