cincOH
4th Edition
in collaboration with
La Maravilla
AUGUST 29-31, 2025
CHICAGO, IL
VISION /
About the Event
Genesis of cincOH:
"OH" in Korean has a few meanings: a popular family name (my family name), the number five, among other things. Hence "cinco + OH" to signifies five decades I lived on this planet, my five organizing principles (Care, Community, Compassion, Dedication, & Integration), the five most important aspects of Tango to me (Music/Musicality, Ambience/Vibe in the room, Connection: both physical & emotional, Care/Respect for my partners & the ronda, and Finding Joy in every tanda), and finally the very first cincOH (2023) was the fifth large scale tango event I organized (*cincOH 4th edition will be my 9th event overall).
My vision for cincOH going forward:
cincOH is a semiannual traveling event only by invitation (by recommendations from you as well as my personal connections) which will be capped at 180-250 people (role balanced including/emphasis on switch dancers). The event typically includes some type of non-dancing elements whether it be community forum, lectures, and/or group activity. It also often include philanthropy/fundraising aspect for selected causes. In a nutshell, the goal is to create a meaningful and fun events in which attendees fell safe and cared for.
This edition will be a collaboration with La Maravilla Milonga of Chicago (Hosts: Khoi & Rachel).
SCHEDULE /
Friday 8/29
20:00-01:00
OPENING MILONGA (DJ Ali)
Saturday 8/30
12:00-13:00
COMMUNITY FORUM/LECTURE (More info TBA)
13:00-18:00
SATURDAY AFTERNOON MILONGA (DJ Jackie)
18:00-20:00
BREAK
20:00-01:00
SATURDAY EVENING MILONGA (DJ Howoon)
*QUITE HOUR: MIDNIGHT-CLOSING*
Sunday 8/31
12:00-13:00
COMMUNITY FORUM/LECTURE (More info TBA)
13:00-18:00
SUNDAY AFTERNOON MILONGA (DJ Jun)
18:00-20:00
BREAK
20:00-01:00
SUNDAY EVENING MILONGA (DJ Rachel)
*QUITE HOUR: MIDNIGHT-CLOSING*
*Schedule & program are subject to change
TALENT /
cincOH DJs & Photographers
Ali Imran
DJ / Chicago, USA
A Chicagoan with a curious mind and a warm heart, Ali approaches life with a unique perspective. Trained as an experimental social scientist, he possesses a natural inclination to delve into the intricacies of the human mind and social relationships, a passion that complements his enjoyment of diverse activities like racket sports and nature. This blend of analytical thought and engagement with many aspects of life shapes his outlook on the world. For Ali, community is paramount; he cherishes the tango world as his extended family, fostering connections that go beyond the dance floor. It was the profound beauty and elegance of tango's music and movement that first captivated Ali, drawing him in as a dedicated milonguero and a keen-eyed photographer, always seeking to capture the essence of the dance. This deep-seated passion naturally evolved, leading him to express his love for tango through DJing. As a DJ, Ali has earned significant recognition as the proud winner of the 2024 International cincOH DJ Competition. His thoughtful approach to music touched renowned tango events, including the Windy City Tango Festival, Denver Tango Festival, and Cleveland Tango Marathon. With a deep reverence for traditional tango music—from the timeless gems of the old guard to the rich tapestry of the Golden Age—Ali meticulously curates his selections. His ultimate aim is to help dancers forge a powerful connection with the sound, the floor, and one another, weaving together a seamless and memorable dance experience where the spirit of tango truly comes alive.
Jackie Pham
DJ / San Jose, USA
Both on and off the dance floor, I feel happiest when connecting deeply with people and building community. I believe presence, kindness, compassion, and empathy are some of the greatest gifts we can give each other as we journey through life together. Even if we only cross paths for a fleeting moment, we can all have an immense impact on each other's lives in how we show up for each other. I believe in meeting each other wherever we are at the moment and growing together from there. That's when magic happens! In tango, I think that everyone in the space contributes their energy to co-creating a shared experience. We make the moment, the art, and the magic together. I love making memories with my baby girl, mentoring new tango dancers and DJs, learning languages, traveling, tinkering on the piano and ukulele, sharing delicious meals and cocktails with friends, knitting, gardening, rock climbing, and cats and dogs equally.
Howoon Chung
DJ / San Francisco, USA
A life traveler, always in motion, always exploring. Whether through places, people, or ideas, I’m drawn to what’s new, what’s different, and what challenges me to grow. Sometimes, the journey pulls me so far outward that I forget who I am. So, I keep returning, keep grounding, keep learning how to be myself again and again. Tango is one of the ways I navigate this path. I cannot regret dancing tango because no two moments are ever the same—even if I dance in the same venue, to the same song, with the same partner, something always feels different. That subtle shift, that quiet surprise, is what keeps me coming back. As a DJ, I play not only well-preserved recordings where each instrument can be heard clearly, but also selections that has similar mood yet rarely played. I believe that both clarity and suprise inspire creativity. When dancers can experience the full richness of the music, they’re invited to discover something new—whether in a step, in the silence, or in the space between themselves and their partner. That’s the kind of magic I first encountered through tango. Wishing you encounter those incredible moments on the dance floor and it’s my pleasure if the music I’ve chosen can help guide you there.
Jun Yi
DJ / San Francisco, USA
On a lifelong quest of "Who am I?", Jun embraces life with an open mind to grow and an open heart to love. She delights in learning, relishes in offering, and is always in search of beauty—both inward, through spiritual exploration, and outward, through travel and cultural curiosity. With deep enthusiasm and passion for movement, Jun loves to nerd out on different modalities—always exploring how to find graceful flow and full expression through the least amount of effort. A seeker of truth, beauty, and connection, she is a lifelong learner devoted to the art of presence and the poetry of being. Whether teaching yoga and meditation to guide people back to their breath, holding space for women to reconnect with the agenda of their souls on her Healing Retreat, or crafting emotional journeys through beautiful tango music, Jun lives her purpose through service. Once dreaming of marrying a poet, she eventually decided to become one—only to discover that life itself is the greatest poem. Through each tanda, each breath, and each step, Jun invites you into that unfolding verse.
Rachel Moon
DJ / Minneapolis, USA
Hello fellow tango lovers! I’m Rachel & I fancy myself an explorer, on both the physical & spiritual planes - always curious about the unknowable, happy to wander in a new place, and eager to discover what’s around the next bend. I have too many interests to name, but above all, I’m a dancer. Ever since I can remember, dance has been an integral part of my life, and over the years, I’ve enjoyed MANY styles of dance. But when I discovered tango, it was the first time I felt called to dive really DEEP into a dance. Over the past 16 years, my tango journey has led me to live and train in Buenos Aires for several months, to travel extensively in North America and Europe, and, during the pandemic, to give dozens of online presentations on tango history, orchestras, & music. As a DJ, my goal is to throw a great party - but not the kind with a lot of small talk. I want a party filled with deep conversations (be they verbal or non-verbal), dreamy smiles, pounding hearts, playfulness, and at least a few moments of joyful delirium.
Louis & Jennifer Parks
Photographers / Chicago, USA
Louis and Jennifer have been dancing tango for 15+ years, and Louis has been photographing people for even longer. His work reflects a deep love and understanding of both art forms. Together with Jennifer, who lends her eye in the editing room, they make a unique team, able to tell the story of a tango event as seen through the hearts of dancers. In non-tango life, Louis works in tech, dabbles in aquarium-keeping, and occasionally returns to his swing-dancing roots to teach a class. Jennifer is a long-time public high school educator with a background in piano performance and competitive swimming. The pair have two young daughters who are pros at identifying “tango, vals, or milonga,” and who love to practice their ochos.
HOTELS /
Stay Close, Sleep Well
Hyatt Place Chicago - Medical/University District (0.4 miles from venue)
Hotel Chicago West Loop (0.1 miles from venue)
Courtyard Chicago at Medical District/UIC (0.3 miles from venue)
Crowne Plaza Chicago West Loop (1 mile from venue)
The Neighborhood Hotel Little Italy (0.7 miles from venue)
Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Medical District (0.7 miles from venue)
LOGISTICS /
Getting Here & To Dos
About the Venue
Epiphany Center for the Arts is located at 201 South Ashland Avenue in Chicago at the corner of Ashland and Adams. Here is a handy link to a Google Map
“Conceived with the vision to return Epiphany to a place for people to once again congregate in, the shuttered, historic Church of the Epiphany has been preserved and adapted into an iconic cultural hub ‘For the Good of Art, Entertainment and Events’. Thoughtfully designed, the exemplary 42,000 square foot campus boasts three distinct venues and a stunning array of amenities, including art studios, classroom, exhibit space and gallery, a commercial and catering kitchen, café, VIP suite and a collection of artistically appointed outdoor spaces; a charming quarter-acre courtyard, spacious terrace and stunning patio. Epiphany’s diverse and inclusive art programming serve to unite community and artists alike while ‘Bringing Chicago Together’.”
Getting to the Epiphany Center for the Arts
Attended parking is available nearby in the parking garage located at 1608 W. Adams or 1640 W. Jackson Blvd.
In addition, the venue is conveniently located near public transportation:
0.5 miles south of the Ashland Pink/Green Line L train stops
0.4 miles northwest of the Racine Blue L train stop
Closest to the #9 Ashland & Adams bus stop, #20 Madison & Ashland bus stop, #126 Van Buren & Ashland, and the Jackson & Laflin EXPRESS
Khoi’s Recommended Places to Eat and Drink Nearby
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Girl & the Goat – 809 W. Randolph St. Contemporary American.
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Au Cheval – 800 W. Randolph. Restaurant and bar featuring acclaimed burger.
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JJ Thai Street Food – 1716 W. Chicago Ave. Authentic, affordable Thai street food.
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Avec – 615 W. Randolph. Mediterranean small plates.
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TimeOut Market – 916 W. Fulton Market. Trendy food court with eclectic selection.
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The Publican – 837 W. Fulton Market. Pork, oysters, and beer.
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Lemon – 1600 W. Grand. Award winning cocktail bar.
Other Eating and Dining Establishments Recommended by Locals who Know
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West Town Bakery - handcrafted pastries, artisan bread, and more
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Un Amor - family-owned Latin American restaurant
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Del Rooster - chic Latin American restaurant
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Flo - hip Southwestern dining with brunch and cocktail options
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All Together Now - funky restaurant with wine shop and cheese counter
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Opart Thai - casual, popular Thai spot
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Nettare - exceptional Italian food
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Lao Peng Yu - incredible dumplings
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Mott Street - Asian inspired plates and cocktails
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Maxwells Trading - fusion of Asian and New American flavors
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Cafe Central - acclaimed Puerto Rican cuisine
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Uncle Mike’s Place - authentic Filipino breakfast spot
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Tempesta Market - gourmet Italian deli and sandwiches
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Bari - another old school Italian deli
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Carnicerias Guanajuato Market - must-try barbacoa
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Taqueria Taraspasadas- exceptional tacos
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Dona Naty’s Tacos - exceptional tacos and burritos
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El Jardin - casual Mexican bodega with Mexican eats and mararitas
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Kasama - nationally renowned breakfast sandiches to die for
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Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco - super close, very unfancy, great tacos, great prices
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Salernos - pizza by the slice takeout window
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Corned Beef Factory Sandwich Shop - minimalist, but the very best corned beef sandwiches
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Fry the Coop - recommendedchicken sandwiches
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Marrakech - delicious Morrocan cuisine
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Mariscos El Barco - delicious Mexican seafood
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Cleo’s - neighborhood soccer bar with good food
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Some nearby breweries: Midwestcoast, Forbidden Root, District Brew Yards, Goose Island Taproom
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Pizza places : Dante’s (NY style); Coalfire (thincrust); Totorice’s and Bartoli (both for deepdish)
Nearby Attractions
Sliding Fee Scale & Mutual
Aid Funding
We at cincOH believe that tango events are more than just a social gathering. For us, tango events are community-building space with the power to create culture and build transformative relationships. To that end, we have made financial accessibility a priority through offering a sliding fee scale for registration and mutual aid funding opportunities. The true registration cost posted includes support for folks at all levels of financial capacity - in other words, your registration cost supports not just your attendance, but the whole community of attendees. We believe this registration fee structure is a part of contributing to mutual respect and belonging, as there is no requirement to prove financial worthiness in order to attend.
If the true registration cost ($250) is beyond/within your capacity, please consider using our sliding fee scale ($200-$300). One helpful tool in determining where to identify on a sliding fee scale is The Green Bottle (https://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/sliding-scale) - please feel free to use this concept, and/or reach out to us for more assistance (*At cincOH, we believe that one's financial situation shouldn't be a deterrence to participating in the event. Please reach out if the sliding scale isn't enough of assistance. Further assistance and other options may be available).
After your registration is received and approved, we will send you an email with payment options/instruction.
We strive to create an equitable environment from the start of allowing for flexibility for folks to pay based on their resource capacity. However, we also welcome donations to our mutual aid fund for anyone who wishes to contribute for all to greater access to this and future events. If you would like to contribute to our mutual aid fund beyond the cost of registration, you can do so during your payment. Note that all donations to the mutual aid fund will only be used to subsidize cost of registration and/or travel for event attendees.
EVENT POLICIES /
Terms & Conditions
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No drop ins, full weekend passes only
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Refunds are possible before August 1, 2025 minus $25 fee
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No refunds after August 1, 2025 (Pass transfers will be allowed within the cincOH group with James' approval and $25 fee)
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Filling out the Registration form does not guarantee entrance to the event. To finalize your Registration, payment must be sent within 72 hours of receiving a confirmation email with payment instructions.
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Code of Conduct: This event is a Safe Space. Everyone who attends must agree to the Code of Conduct at the time of Registration. Anyone who violates this Code may be subject to immediate action per the terms therein. < See the Code of Conduct or Report Harm >
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Photography: Participants understand that images/video will be taken at cincOH and may be used for promotional purposes. Registration implies implicit consent of image use for these purposes. Participants may opt out by sending an email to James at locatangoproject@gmail.com
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Hold Harmless: Participants are aware that cincOH (hereinafter referred to as the "Event" or "cincOH") will be held in person and, on behalf of themselves, their heirs, successors, assigns, and personal representatives, agree to hold the organizers and volunteers of the Event harmless and agree to discharge, release, or waive any claim of liability or damages for any economic loss or injury, physical or emotional, that they might suffer as a result of their participating in the Event. Should any claim be brought by them against cincOH for liability, economic loss, physical injury and/or damages resulting from their participation in the Event, travel to and from the Event (including air travel), or any activities incidental to the Event, they will be responsible for any reasonable attorney fees and cost for having to defend against such action.
We reserve the right to change or modify any of the Terms and Conditions listed above.
Event Cancelation Policy
In the event that cincOH is cancelled due to natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstances, all registrants will be refunded in full minus a $25 fee, or provided with a full pass for a designated future event by Loca Tango Project.
CODE OF CONDUCT /
This event is a Safe Space. Everyone who attends must agree to this Code of Conduct at the time of registration. Anyone who violates this Code may be subject to immediate action per the terms below.
At cincOH, we value the health, safety and well-being of all our guests, and we expect that the event will be free from harassment and disrespectful or inappropriate (verbal or non-verbal) behavior. We rely on our attendees to prioritize the comfort and enjoyment of everyone around them, remembering that tango is best danced in an environment of openness and trust.
We therefore expect that guests will:
• Respect the etiquette of mirada and cabeceo
• Refrain from coercive or persistent invitations
• Refrain from following, stalking, or monopolizing other attendees
• Not engage in disrespectful, uninvited or inappropriate touch, on or off the dance floor
• Hear and respect the verbal and non-verbal communication of partners
• Not use threatening or discriminatory language
• Recognize and protect the boundaries of others
• Respect the entrance etiquette, flow and lanes of the ronda
• Not dance in a way that endangers yourself, your partner or others on the dance floor
• Not engage in any form of harassment*
The cincOH team takes harassment very seriously and is committed to maintaining a safe and peaceful event. We will act promptly to address behavior that violates our code of conduct. If you believe you have been subjected to (or have witnessed) such behavior, you are encouraged to contact James Oh, or make an anonymous report using the button below.
All reports will be reviewed by James Oh. James will determine if and what course of action should be taken, based on the wishes of the reporting party. Potential actions may include education about consent, removal from the event, or legal action in accordance with applicable laws.
*Harassment includes offensive verbal comments (related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race or religion), sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of the event, inappropriate physical contact and unwelcome sexual attention.
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Please use this form to report any incidents of harm or harassment. All reports can be made anonymously.