Carl Hendel founded Tango Tuesdays in 2021. When things started opening up after the COVID shutdown, Carl and his wife, Happy, began renting the dance floor in an upstairs room above Snoopy’s Home Ice at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena in Santa Rosa. They want to spread the gospel of Argentine tango to all comers.
“Like everything worth studying, it takes a lifetime,” Carl says.
Tango Tuesday is focused on the Argentine dance style and is what participants describe in tango-speak as a “practica” and not a class.
It is not formal. It’s essentially two hours of music, dancing, and learning. However, the learning comes from other dancers, not a leader or pair of leaders in the center of the room. Dancers can talk, give, and receive instruction, and newcomers are encouraged to partner with more seasoned dancers.
There is an emphasis on fun and learning. No experience is necessary.
If you can’t afford to put a dollar in the jar, don’t, and if you can afford to put $10, please do.
It’s leader and follower, not man or woman. Partners typically dance together for three songs, break, and find a new partner.
In March 2025, Carl assigned Nickoladi and Rachel to set up the dance space and organize the weekly events. Carl has been promoted to executive advisor.
See you Tuesday night.