Karen & Carlos

Karen Schneider & Carlos Sampelayo
Karen began ballroom dancing in 1997, performing at the Copacabana and Wainwright House, and earning top placements at the 1998 Fred Astaire TriStar Dance Sport Championships. She has taught at the renowned Stardust Dance Weekends for many years.

In 2005 & 2006, she choreographed The Cubist Works of Pablo Picasso (televised by News 12) and later Seniors Come Out Swinging at Yonkers Public Library. She also led a multi-generational dance program for Lyndhurst, NJ.

Passionate about Argentine Tango, Karen earned her teacher certification from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in 2012. Alongside her longtime partner, Carlos Sampelayo, she was named Sub-Champion of the 2013 US Tango Championship. Together, they continue to teach social ballroom and Argentine Tango.

Her goal is to get students dancing confidently and comfortably, regardless of age.

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Carlos grew up immersed in tango, with music filling his home daily. Inspired by Tango Argentino in 1985, he began studying with top instructors, including Diego di Falco, Carolina Zokalski, Osvaldo Zotto, The Dinzels, Hugo Patyn, and Carlos Copello.

Named “Best Argentine Tango Teacher in Westchester 2010” by Westchester Magazine, Carlos has taught tango since 1998, hosting milongas and teaching across Westchester. He is a Certified Argentine Tango Instructor by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

He and his partner Karen became Sub-Champions of the US Tango Championship, promoting Argentine Tango in the U.S.