Steven's tango roots stretch back to Salt Lake City, where he learned, taught, and organized tango for several years before moving to Portland. His unique style and passionate musicality have been inspired by Christopher Nassopolous, Susana Miller, Luciana Valle, Tomas Howlin, and many others. Each of them has convinced Steven of the outrageous possibilities that Argentine tango holds for an addicted dancer. A six-week sojourn in Buenos Aires further impressed him with the richness of tango culture and the seemingly endless variety of movement that this "street music" of the City can engender.

Steven likes to stress an organic tango technique where students, having learned some fundamental principles, can build movement as it is inspired by the music and by the vibrant flow of the dance floor.

Steven has recently returned to Portland from a year in Toronto, and has resumed a full class and private lesson schedule. For more information, contact him at tangopayne@yahoo.com.