A small milonga in a small village in the German Odenwald, in late 2013 – that’s where Wasiliki and Andreas met. Since then, they can look back on a number of joint projects.
The first steps together
Completely captivated by each other and by Argentine tango, the couple soon began using their home in Langen to invite tango teachers to the Rhine-Main area so that they could continue to develop their skills in a small, private circle. This led to concerts and the first milongas they organised together.
Professionally, too, the couple grew ever closer; Wasiliki supported Andreas for more than six years in his IT company.
The Tangohotel
After many activities had to be rethought in 2020 for reasons that are all too well known, the pair, driven by their enthusiasm, decided to embark on a new adventure. This led to the purchase of a hotel, which then became known in tango circles far beyond the region’s borders under the name “TA-TAA! – the Tangohotel in the Taunus”. It was particularly popular with Argentine orchestras, who often and gladly stopped by on their tours across Europe. Renowned tango teachers from all over the world were also regular guests.
Regrettably, the project faced major bureaucratic hurdles almost from the outset, which unfortunately meant that many of the ideas originally envisioned could not be realised. Nevertheless, this period was one of great creativity and, in particular, was characterised by a deepening of ties with the tango community.
Argentina
The connection to Argentina runs deep; Wasiliki has been travelling there regularly since 2013, that was also when she first came into contact with the Hogares La Casa de Teresa and Los Horneros. Hogares are privately run children’s homes that provide accommodation for children whose parents are unable to care for them adequately. As a magician, she quickly bonded with the children and was impressed by the work of the carers. Thanks to the regular Milonga Solidaria events, this connection has been maintained over the years, and wherever possible, the couple has also supported the Hogares.
Establishment of a Foundation
A particularly significant turning point in their personal lives came in 2025. Andreas’s IT company was sold, and almost at the same time, so was the Tangohotel. It was at this point that Wasiliki and Andreas decided to set up a charitable foundation – and so ‘TA-TAA! – the Foundation’ was born. It is based in Liechtenstein.
The idea behind this is to support charitable work where it has a direct impact on people’s lives. In addition to Hogares in Argentina, the foundation will therefore support a social organisation in Germany that helps people with mental health issues to find accommodation, stepping in where conventional charitable organisations are no longer able to help.
Because one thing is clear – everyone needs a safe home!
New Home
The new home of the foundation’s two founders, Andreas and curator Wasiliki, will be in Portugal, where a new tango project is also set to be launched. All proceeds from the project will go to the foundation.
Traveling
Until then, the pair will also be using their newfound freedom to travel together. Andreas is currently sailing round the world on his trimaran ‘TA-TAA!’, whilst Wasiliki is joining him from time to time but will also be spending a few weeks back in Argentina.
Andreas is happy to act as a tango DJ on his travels. He was able to gain a great deal of experience in this field, particularly during his time at the Tangohotel, and his music selection is also very popular at international events. All proceeds go directly to the charity.