The Tangueria-Sidewalk Tango, formed in 2018, is the dance company of Dianne Heywood-Smith, professional tango dancer, performer, choreographer and international touring tango teacher.

Dianne’s tango journey began when she joined Sidewalk Tango in Melbourne in1998 and together with renowned international teacher and performer David Backler, their company toured throughout Australia and overseas. For a span of 20 years, Dianne and David’s creative partnership bought performances, stage productions, cabaret acts and teaching workshops to students and audiences in theatres, clubs and festivals throughout the world. Dianne and David were honoured to be the first Australian couple to perform in the milongas (tango dance halls) of Buenos Aires.

“pure gold…riveting, compelling with immaculate technique” Limelight Magazine

Career highlights include performing in the milongas of Buenos Aires, including El Abrazo, La Confiteria Ideal Primavera Festivals; Sunderland, Club de Golf, Bar Sur and Radio Contacto Ituzaingo; the Dans Palais Spiegeltent in New Zealand; touring with Argentinian composer, maestro Massimo Pujol and Trio in Melbourne and the Festival Theatre Adelaide; Glamour Bar on the Bund Shanghai; and performing on stage with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Myer Music Bowl. In 2008 Dianne and David represented Australia in The 4th World Games TAFSIA in Busan Korea.

Performance dance style is unique and daring, a kaleidoscope of magic, acrobatics and comedy. Dazzling performances have drawn audiences and the press to described them as; “pure gold…riveting, compelling with immaculate technique” Limelight Magazine; and from the Herald Sun, “……you immediately know that you have embarked on a miraculous journey, shared with a myriad of people, in the hands of masters”. And again from Limelight Magazine a review from a performance at Adelaide Festival Theatre; “I was left with the impression of having seen something remarkable….a window into a musical and cultural past….. One of those rare, unforgettable evenings then, when all you can really say is “well, that was the real deal”

Sidewalk Tango has been officially recognised by Argentina for the substantial contribution made to Argentinian Tango throughout Australia, New Zealand and overseas and in 2010 was proclaimed Australian Tango Ambassadors by the Argentinean Embassy in Canberra.  

Continuing as Australian Tango Ambassadors, The Tangueria-Sidewalk Tango believes that cultural diversity may be vital for the long-term survival of humanity and that the conservation of indigenous cultures may be as important to humankind as the conservation of species and ecosystems is to life in general. Classes are taught giving all due respect to the origin, historical background and traditional culture of tango Argentino.

At The Tangeria-SidewalkTango we are professionals dedicated to our art bringing together people who love tango and who are inspired to learn this unique art form. We understand that the tango is a deeply personal journey of artistic expression and self-discovery.

Our teaching philosophy is built around respect for the history and origin of tango, respect for the music, the dance, and those who have dedicated themselves to tango, and those who are keeping the art form and essence of tango alive.