PGH TANGO

Connecting people through the passion of tango. PGH Tango Connection offers group tango classes, private lessons, weekly practices, milongas and other events.

Since 2008, Pittsburgh Tango Connection has been a central hub for Argentine Tango in Pittsburgh, welcoming dancers of all levels to weekly classes, practicas, and social dances. It has evolved into the premier tango school in the area, offering students a friendly and supportive community atmosphere.

As of 2026, Pittsburgh Tango Connection is proud to operate as a nonprofit organization, dedicated to growing and sustaining the tango community through education, cultural exchange, and inclusive programming.

Never danced before? No problem. Join our beginner session on Wednesdays and take your first steps with us. Have some experience under your belt? Explore our Monday class offerings and continue developing your skills.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: KOICHIRO SUZUKI (CHEWY)

Koichiro Suzuki – also known as Chewy – is a musician, dancer, and Tango DJ who blends his passions for dance, music, and performance into everything he does. His journey into Argentine Tango began during his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he first encountered the dance and became captivated. But his love for performance had already taken root in the late 1990s, when Koichiro marched and performed with the world-renowned Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, honing his artistic expression and discipline.

Music has always been at the core of Koichiro's artistic journey. After earning his Master’s Degree in Music Performance from Duquesne University, he performed with the River City Brass Band, the only professional brass band in the United States. This experience deepened his understanding of musicality and helped him merge his love for performance with his growing passion for tango.

In 2008, Koichiro’s love for tango led him to establish Pittsburgh Tango Connection, a thriving community that has become Pittsburgh's largest and most influential tango school. Through his leadership and instruction, he has built a welcoming space for dancers of all levels, bringing Argentine Tango to the heart of the city's arts scene. As of 2026, Pittsburgh Tango Connection proudly operates as a nonprofit organization, dedicated to growing and sustaining the tango community through education, cultural exchange, and inclusive programming. Each year, he organizes the celebrated Pittsburgh Tango Fierro Marathon and the Pittsburgh Tango Festival, which attract tango enthusiasts from around the globe for two weekends of workshops, performances, and social dancing.

Koichiro’s approach to tango stands out for its unique blend of technical precision and a profound connection to music and rhythm. He has trained with leading tango instructors such as Marek Szotkowski, Olivera Grubisha, Julio Bassan, Marisol Morales, and Inés Muzzopappa, all of whom have shaped his artistry as a dancer and instructor.

In addition to his work as a tango instructor, Koichiro is an internationally recognized tango DJ. He has performed worldwide in countries such as Argentina, Japan, Canada, and Italy, where he is known for his thoughtful and engaging music selections. With his deep musical knowledge, Koichiro curates dynamic, crowd-responsive tandas that draw on both the rich tradition and modern evolution of tango.

Whether teaching, performing, or DJing, Koichiro’s work is defined by his commitment to tango and music artistry, sharing his passions through every step, note, and beat.