With Chris & Anke

Coming all the way from California, Chris Peake is a tango dancer, teacher and deejay, co-founder of Firehouse 5 Dance in Sacramento, and Studio Magnetica in Santa Barbara, California. 

Chris discovered Argentine Tango in early 2005 and, after seeing people dancing it to alternative music at the original Cellspace in San Francisco, was immediately inspired to try for himself. He never looked back. After studying with local teachers in Sacramento, he has had the opportunity to study extensively under some of the greatest tango masters of our time, with Sebastian Arce, Chicho Frumboli and Horacio Godoy having the greatest influence on his dance.

Chris has now been teaching tango for 20 years, teaching group and private classes. Viewing tango as both a lifelong learning process and a constant evolution, Chris continues his own practice and learning and the development of his own teaching methodology and finds great joy in guiding students of all levels in their tango journey..

Anke Michaelis — an art historian and cultural manager in her professional life—has been a dancer since childhood. From classical ballet to modern and ballroom dance, she has always loved any kind of dance. Yet it was only later in life that she discovered tango —and was instantly captivated by its music, culture, and dance. She quickly fell in love with the entire magical world of Tango Argentino, a passion that has since become a central theme in her life.

Today, while still deeply connected to the vibrant tango scene of her hometown Munich, Anke seeks inspiration in as many different places as possible, constantly exploring new influences to enrich her understanding of the dance. Over time, she has become passionate about passing on her love for tango as a teacher as well.

Anke’s teaching centers around connection—the unique interaction between two partners that can only arise in the moment. Within this subtle dialogue, she is dedicated to bringing special awareness to the active role of the follower, making tango truly special beyond just steps and figures.