John Tan based in Manchester, UK. 

He used to be a very ordinary man who doesn’t dance and have no music background, however fifteen years ago he has been diagnosed and suffered from a chronic tango addiction, transformed him into a fanatic milonguero. To find the cure, he is currently undergoing a daily high dosage of tango music prescription to ease his illness.  

His approach is very simple, as his DJ inspirations only come from the dancers; the dance floor instigate the music he plays. 

John focuses heavily to his music quality, he spent times researching and restoring his music source, only promised to play his best danceable collection for the dancers. Music he plays range from guardia vieja to the epoca de oro and always involve a small variety of the newer tango from 1950 / 60s.  

He likes to create waves between songs and in the tandas, strong tempo and high energy. He is determined to suggest the dancers feeling the sentiments of every piece of the classic he plays, sharing the most precious 12 minutes with their partners in a tanda.  

“It is not important what I play, I normally let the dancers decide what to come next, and I only help to create the best moment for everyone. The only thing I dictate is when the dancers stop dancing in milonga, but this is something that I will never let them, because I play for the dancers and the true dancers only.” 

John Tan co-organise the Big Pop Manchester Tango Marathon, and he occasionally runs DJ workshops by sharing his experiences in how to create a tango party using the tools we have.