Claudio took his first steps at an early age. His roots come from his grandfather, Hector Contreras, who was his mentor in the early stages of his Tango training. He then followed teachings by Juan Aurelio, Juan Carlos Copes, Virulazo, Antonio Todaro, Pepito Avellaneda, Gloria and Eduardo, Dinzel, N. Guichanduc,- world-famous recognized “Maestros “ who contributed extensively to his training.

After dancing in various tango shows in Buenos Aires, such as CASABLANCA, LA VENTANA, MICHELANGELO and El QUERANDI, he began his international career abroad. Claudio has performed in several important venues in the world such as the Walter Kerr and Marquis on Broadway New York, for 2 years; Olympia in Paris, Colon Theatre, Luna Park Auditorium Astral Theatre and Cervantes Theatre in Buenos Aires and the National Auditorium and Fine Arts Theatre in Mexico.

Has worked with the most famous and recognized Tango orchestras such as Osvaldo Pugliese, Mariano Mores, Sexteto Sur, El Arranque, Sexteto Mayor and Color Tango, among others.

His talent has earned him roles in the most renowned international stages in Broadway, Europe, Asia and America in shows alongside major companies such as Tanguera, Tango Seduccion, Tango Argentino and Forever Tango.

Based on this knowledge and experience he later formed a new project, his own show “Latin Tango” where he is the director and choreographer. His excellence led him to different countries teaching classes and being invited as jury of the most important championships and festivals of Tango around the world.

During his career Claudio participated in important events with recognized dancers. Today he is partnered with Helena Fernandez. They form one of the most prestigious Argentine tango dance couples for their artistic versatility that allows them to interpret the most diverse styles, from tango salon, fantasy and traditional to the most modern and innovative.

Currently they are part of their own show “Tango’s Heart” on Tour through Europe, North America and South America.

Classical dancer since she was 3 years old, graduated from the Royal Academy of Dance in London (2000), with great experience in many styles of dance (classic ballet, jazz, ballroom dance, samba, flamenco), Helena Fernandez becomes an international tango dancer and choreographer after 10 years of study and dedication to this dance. She was on tour to teach workshops and to perform in several shows in Europe, Asia and America. She also graduated in Physiotherapy specialized in neurological patients, which gave her extra tools to include tango-related concepts in her women´s technique classes.

Helena participated in many televisions programs in Rede Globo de Televisão; she mounted choreographies for renowned actors and actresses (Cristiane Torloni in Dança dos Famosos, Paulo César Grande, Louise Cardoso) and performed on board of MSC Música being the main dancer of Tango season (Europe 2012-2013) for six months. She performed at important theaters abroad (London: Leicester Square Theatre, Korea: Lotte World Theater, Brazil: Teatro dos 4, Liceu de Artes e Oficios etc); made special participations in shows such as “Tango Glamour” (sponsored by Aparecida Belloti) and “Baila Brasil” (sponsored by Edu Cigano) in Brazil, where she was a judge at several dance competitions: Festival Nacional de Dança – Brasil; Belém do Pará em 2009 e 2010. She also performed at “Tango Seducción” dance Company directed by Gustavo Russo, in 2014.

Helena was an official Judge at the World Cup branches in Greece, Italy and Brazil.

She also performed at well-known milongas in Buenos Aires: Confitearia Ideal, La Marshal, Grisel, and danced to well-known traditional orchestras such us “Sexteto Milonguero”, “Carla Algeri” orchestra, and “Color Tango” among others Currently she performs at dance shows, and is working both as a tango and latin rhythms teacher in Brazil, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Helena partnered with one of the best dancers and artist of the tango world, “CLAUDIO VILLAGRA”. Together they form one of the most prestigious Argentine tango dance couples for their artistic versatility that allows them to interpret the most diverse styles, from tango salon, fantasy and traditional to the most modern and innovative.

Helena is the owner and director of two tango schools in Europe named “C&H Tango”.

Leandro Oliver is Argentine. He has been dancing Argentine Tango since he was 8 years old. His main masters and trainers in the Argentine Tango field have been Ricardo Oliver, Jorge Dispari, Miguel A. Zotto, Carlos Copello, Osvaldo Zotto, Juan Carlos Copes, Gabriel Angio, Natalia Games, between others.

His background formation also includes Drama (Omar Pacheco), Jazz Dance (Laura Roatta, Sandy Brandawer) between other disciplines. He develops his career as a Master, Choreographer, Dancer and Jury of the most important Tango Championships.

Leandro is Master of many renowned teachers. He has started being a Tango Professional Dancer since he was very young. Some of the world’s most highly regarded tango shows he has belonged to are: “TANGO X 2,“NISSAN TANGO BUENOS AIRES,’ “COPES TANGO COPES”, “TANGUERA“ and “TANGO EMOCION,” “MISA CRIOLLA” . . . and more.

For more than 12 consecutive years, Leandro has developed his Artistic Career next to her partner Laila Rezk. Leandro has also participated in TV shows (RAI, BBC, NHK, FUJI TV, TELEFE, CANAL 13, AMERICA TV, ATC) and interviewed in different radio programs as well.

He is judge of the Official Tango Championships in Argentina and also in different venues (USA, Asia and Europe). He is one of the creators and artistic directors of “TANGO CON LAS ESTRELLAS FESTIVAL” and he is annually invited to teach and perform in the most prestigious Tango Festivals both nationally and internationally.

Laila Rezk was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her dance and artistic background includes Classic Ballet (Estudio Gurquel Lederer & Teresita Campana), Jazz Dance (Estudio Gurquel Lederer & Manuel Vallejos). Miguel Angel Zotto, Milena Plebs, Guillermina Quiroga, Alejandra Mantinian, Graciela Gonzalez, Gabriel Angio and Natalia Games are have been her principal Tango Masters.

As an Argentine Tango professional, Laila unfolds as a Master, Choreographer, Dancer and Jury of the most important Tango Championships. She has been developing her artistic and professional Career next to Leandro Oliver, who has been her partner for more than 12 years.

For many years, she has belonged to one of the world’s most highly regarded tango shows “TANGO x 2 COMPANY” (from Miguel A Zotto). She has also participated in EXPO AICHI JAPAN, EXPO JATA TOKYO, TANGO LIBERTAD and has also participated in many important Festivals in Argentine, USA, Asia and Europe. Laila participated in TV shows (RAI, BBC, NHK, FUJI TV) and interviewed in different radio programs as well.

They are judges of the Official Tango Championships in Argentina and also in different venues (USA, Asia and Europe). She is one of the creators and artistic directors of “TANGO CON LAS ESTRELLAS FESTIVAL” and they are annually invited to teach and perform in the most prestigious Tango Festivals both nationally and internationally.

Tomas Galvan, came from disciplines related to body language, began his life in dance at 13 years, has worked in prestigious tango houses as “Taconeando” and “Piazzolla Tango”.

Second in the metropolitan city tango salon championship Bs. As 2009.

He has worked for prestige tango companies as “Tangueros del sur” Natalia Hills, “Identity tango” and “Tango X Two” Miguel Angel Zotto.

He taught and gave performance in countries such as England, Greece, Italy, Russia, China, etc.

Finalists of the world championships in stage tango and tango salon on several occasions.

He has worked as a choreographer and consultant for various dance groups from Argentina.

He was judge in the national championship of tango,  Zarate city 2015 and 2016.

Among the major events stand out, having danced at the Vatican in celebration of the birthday of Pope Francisco.

He is co-author of the book “art for life” published in Argentina.

Along with Gimena Herrera were the creators of the play “Tango de raza” running his own company “Malevaje”.

Currently are artists, dancers, directors and choreographers of his recent show “Earth and Fire walking” and presented in Argentina and soon staged in cities of USA and the world.

Gimena Herrera, came from disciplines related to the sport, began her career in dance tango in adolescence, she has working in prestigious tango houses  of Buenos Aires as “Taconeando” and “Piazzolla Tango”.

Second place in the  metropolitan city tango salon champions,  Bs. As, 2009.

She has worked for prestiges tango companies “Tangueros del sur” Natalia Hills, “Identity tango” and “Tango X dos” Miguel Angel Zotto.

she taught and gave performance in countries such as England, Greece, Italy, Russia, China, etc.

Finalists of the world championships in stage tango and tango salon on several occasions.

She has worked as a choreographer and consultant for various dance groups from Argentina.

She was judge in the national championship of tango,  Zarate city 2015 and 2016.

Among the major events stand out, having danced at the Vatican in celebration of the birthday of Pope Francisco.

Along with Tomas Galvan were the creators of the play “Tango de raza” running they own company “Malevaje”.

Currently are artists, dancers, directors and choreographers of his recent show “Earth and Fire walking” and presented in Argentina and soon staged in cities of USA and the world.

Ivan Leonardo Romero is the winner in “Tango Escenario” of the Tango Buenos Aires Dance World Cup (Campeonato Mundial deTango de Buenos Aires, Argentina) of 2004, held in Buenos Aires since 2003. Since then, he travels the world teaching both professional and amateur dancers. 
Silvana Nunez has been a professional tango dancer since 1999. She has been teaching tango in many schools in Argentina and has been part of the jury panel in various official tango championships and competitions.

Together, they worked at the Hotel Faena dancing for the prestigious show Rojo Tango and the “Café Los Angelitos” show. They also travelled to many countries throughout Northern and Southern America, Europe and Asia. 

In August 2015 they worked as artistic directors of the International Tango Festival in Montreal (free style tango) . His was a very special edition as it brought together many World Champion teachers in their respective categories: salon and stage!

In August 2014 they worked as Judges and Masters for the World Tango Championship in Medellin, Colombia.
In Argentina, they have also been members of the jury of the prestigious Buenos Aires´ Youth Tournament and the Metropolitan Competition since 2005, as well as of some of the official branches of the Tango World Championship in different locations, both in Argentina and abroad!
They also performed as the soloist couple with prestigious orchestras (Vale Tango, Sexteto Major, Seleccion Nacional de Tango, etc.) and with famous artists such as Rodolfo Mederos, Lidia Borda, Ariel Ardit, among others.

Ivan and Silvana worked in many tango festivals and were part of dance companies such as Copes Tango Copes, Compania Roberto Herrera and Chantecler. 
Accomplished artists as well as experienced artistic directors and choreographers, they are an important creative reference for many dancers.

Rules

Please read the General Rules and the Championship Rules for each category which follows below:

GENERAL RULES for all competitors:

1. Competition VS private classes or workshops: competitors participating in the Salon Senior, Milonga or Stage Tango Group categories may register to all (or any) of the festival workshops and take private classes with all festival maestros. Competitors participating in the official categories of Tango de Pista and Stage Tango may register to all (or any) festival workshops and take private classes with all festival maestros on Saturday and Sunday. On Friday competitors in the official categories will not be able to take private classes or workshops with Guillermina Quiroga, Junior Cervila, Guadalupe García, Adrian Veredice and Alejandra Hobert due to the fact that these maestros will be judging on Thursday and Friday evenings. However competitors are allowed to take classes with world tango champions Cristian Palomo, Melisa Sacchi, who will not be Judges at the Competition.
2. Contestants may participate in different categories with the same or a different partner. However, no contestant may participate more than once in the same category, regardless of whether they do so with a different partner.
3. A registration cannot be shared and is not transferable.
4. If a contestant withdraws from the competition after the registration fees have been paid, no refund of the registration fees will be granted.
5. All competitors must read the Evaluation Criteria per category to get ready for the competition.
6. Contestants must always behave correctly and respect the judges, championship directors/coordinators, choreographers and other participants.
7. All the competition rounds will be open to spectators.
8. All data provided at the time of the accreditation will be considered as a sworn statement. Any contradiction will be penalized.
9. All championship contestants commit themselves to participate in various ceremonies and events planned by the Organization of the USA Official championship branch—such as press conferences, interviews for radio stations and over‐the‐air or cable television channels, demos, etc.—if they are summoned for such purpose.
10. Contestants must be at least 18 years old by the date of the competition.
11. Filming & Photographing. The Organization of the Preliminary reserves the right to record all the stages of the Championship, by any means known or to be known—including but not limited to filming, recording, photographing, digitalization, etc.—by itself or third parties, in order to promote and advertise the event. The recorded material obtained will be exclusive property of the Organization of the Preliminary, who will have to turn a copy of it, to the Office of Festivals. By entering the Championship, participants explicitly and irrevocably authorize the use of the recorded material, without this suggesting—or implying—any compensation for any reason whatsoever by the Organization of the Preliminary and/or the Office of Festivals, in favor of any person or organization that claims entitlement to any right that may be invoked. This clause also includes, without limitations, all photographic material published and/or made available for promotion, advertisement, etc.
12. A couple’s registration and subsequent check‐in implies knowledge and acceptance of these General Rules and the Championship Rules (see below) by each one of the participants.

(Please read all rules for the category/ies you have registered)

Daughter of Argentinean singer Estela Raval and musician Ricardo Romero (creators of Los 5 Latinos), Mónica was born in Buenos Aires. She studied jazz and contemporary dance specialising in modern dance. Mónica is a natural performer and studied with some of the most prestigious Argentine teachers and choreographers: Nuri Cid, Beatriz & Victor Ferrari, Moria Chapman, Olga Francés, Hector Estevez and Daniel Fernandez.

Mónica appeared in many musicals such as Chorus Line, El Diluvio Que Viene and La Sexta Esposa with famous artists such as Moira Casan, Susana Gimenez, Nélida Lobato, Porcel and Olmedo. She was lead dancer in major TV productions Porcel’s Program, Badia & Company and Percivalle’s Show.

Mónica joined the Juan Carlos Copes tango company where she met her husband Omar Ocampo and as Los Ocampo, they have toured the world performing, teaching and choreographing. She co-directed and created the show Tango Bravo with Omar Ocampo and has performed in and created many notable tango shows including Tango Pasión which toured world-wide for more than 17 years.

Mónica now divides her time between the Los Ocampo tango and folkloric schools round the world and touring commitments to perform and teach. In Buenos Aires, she and Omar are directors of the annual folkloric festival, “Encuentro con Los Maestros” and are members of the official jury at the Tango Championships both in Argentina and worldwide.

Omar is an exceptional and gifted dancer, a passionate milonguero and folklorista. Born in Entre Ríos he started his professional career in Buenos Aires when, at age 16, hearing of the dance master Santiago Ayala, “El Chúcaro”, he discovered his mentor and spiritual father.

“El Chúcaro” and Norma Viola invited Omar to join their folkloric company Ballet Argentino. Omar quickly progressed to be the lead dancer and dance master of the company, travelling round the world with them for eleven years. During this time he created lead roles in some of the most important masterpieces in the genre: El Martín Fierro, La Vida de San MartÍn, Homenaje a Ezequiel Navarra, Juegos Pampeanos and the famous Del Gaucho Al Compadrito, specially choreographed for him by “El Chúcaro” and noted for containing a beautiful and tasteful disrobing during his transformation from gaucho to compadrito.

While pursuing his folkloric career, Omar was for several years a member of the Juan Carlos Copes tango company where he met his wife Mónica Romero and, as Los Ocampo, they went on to tour the world performing, teaching and choreographing.

Today considered the best dancer of Argentine folklore, Omar is the repetiteur and curator of the choreographies of Santiago Ayala “El Chúcaro” and Norma Viola and their natural successor. As an honorary teacher, each time he returns to Argentina, he gives classes of Folklore to the Ballet Folklórico Nacional. He is a senior judge at many folkloric and tango competitions.

As a choreographer Omar is an exponent of all the Argentinean dance forms. His show Tango Bravo, developed with his wife Mónica, blends Tango with Folkloric dance; and, he also choreographed for Tango Pasión and Mariano Mores’ show.

(75 min class): 

This special workshop is designed for intermediate tango dancers who are interested in learning about the Canyengue tango style, -the 1900s old tango style from the suburbs also called “orillero”-. 

When: Sunday April 12 from 12.50 am to 2.05 pm at D’Arienzo Ballroom.

Cost:
Please note that this special workshop is not included in the festival passes.
Pre-registration with  discount is between Nov 15 and March 25: $40 per person;

At door (only with cash) $45 per person.

Registration opens on Nov 15, 2019: Click here to register

Unable to make your payment online?
Please fill in the online form and make the check to  the order of: Argentine Tango USA
Send it to: 530 Showers Dr, Suite 7 – 178  Mountain View, CA 94040

Do include your name and email when your send your check.

Personalized, best quality tango tour organized by Andrea & Adrián!

Our customized program for ladies INCLUDES PROFESSIONAL LEVEL DANCE ASSISTANTS for both WORKSHOPS and MILONGAS!

DATES:
In Summer: Jan 9 – 19, 2020 (arrival in Buenos Aires Saturday Jan 9; departure from Buenos Aires Jan 19). Ten nights.

In Winter: July 24 – August 3, 2020 (arrival in Buenos Aires Saturday July 24; departure from Buenos Aires Tuesday August 4). Ten nights.

NOTE: air fares are not included in the price. Each person can book the airline of their choice; use their miles, etc

DESCRIPTION AND INCLUSIONS:  

• 11 days, 10 nights’ accommodation at a 4 stars Hotel with breakfast in the safest trendy Recoleta neighborhood.

Tango Program:

• 2 LADIES TECHNIQUE & EMBELLISHMENTS WORKSHOPS (3 hours of instruction) exclusive for our group with Tango Master Andrea Monti, specialist in women’s technique
• 6 TANGO DANCE WORKSHOPS (9 hours of instruction in total) exclusive for our group with selected experienced tango teachers and  CLASS ASSISTANTS (skilled/professional tango dancers hired to assist each of the ladies in every workshops to take full advantage of the classes)
• 8 MILONGAS WITH DANCE ASSISTANTS: one skilled tango dancer every two ladies hired to attend and dance at ALL eight milongas (yes, ticket entrance and ASSISTANTS are INCLUDED)!
• SPECTACULAR FIVE STARS DINNER TANGO SHOW. You’ll taste a delicious meal after which you will watch a breath-taking, world-class Tango Show at this traditional especially designed tango house. The incredible skills of the dancers on stage, together with the place’s fantastic atmosphere, excellent cuisine and flawless service, make for an experience you won’t forget. ALL INCLUSIVE!

Sightseeing Program:

• WALKING TOUR in Recoleta & downtown (Quintana Av, Alvear St,  Santa Fe Av, 9 de Julio Av, Corrientes Av,  Florida St, San Martín Square).
• WELCOME DINNER in a typical Argentinean “restaurant parrilla” (grilled meat), ALL INCLUSIVE!
• AMAZING FULL DAY CITY TOUR in private bus to fall in love with the elegant European style city of Buenos Aires (LUNCH INCLUDED): our bilingual guide has extensive knowledge of the city’s history, art, architecture and tourism (7-8 hours duration tour especially designed for us!). It includes: A) Historic circuit; B) La Boca neighborhood; C) Puerto Madero; D) Retiro and Recoleta neighborhoods ; E) “Palermo Chico” residential & Embassy area; F) Palermo Woods
• A DAY IN SAN TELMO (Plaza Dorrego & San Telmo fair) LUNCH INCLUDED at Hippopotamus famous bar.
• A DAY AT THE “PAMPAS” countryside to get to know another dimension of Argentinean culture and landscape, with “fiesta gaucha”, “asado criollo” (barbecue), singing, dancing, “gaucho show”, country activities such as riding horses and much more.+ Private transfer in/out. ALL INCLUSIVE.
• SHOPPING for tango souvenirs, shoes and clothes.
• LAST NIGHT FAREWELL DINNER at a nice typical restaurant in Palermo or downtown. ALL INCLUSIVE!
• + 24 hour personal assistance by Andrea & Adrián.
• + Many other things that will come up at the moment!!!

LIMITED SPOTS! BOOK NOW!

COST for January 2021:  (calculated for a group of at least 8 people)

EARLY BIRD: 
BOOK YOUR SPOT WITH A DEPOSIT OF $1,100 by September 5: $3,100 per person in double occupancy. 

LATE REGISTRATION till October 10: $3,300 per person in double occupancy. 

BOOK YOUR SPOT WITH A DEPOSIT OF $1,100

Remaining balance to be paid by October 31, 2020
PLEASE NOTE that airfares are not included in the price, every participant has to purchase their own tickets.

REFUND POLICY:
Full Refund till Nov 1, 2020
Full Refund minus $500 till November 21, 2020
Full Refund minus $1,600 till December 9, 2020
NO refunds from December 10, 2020

COST for July trip 2021: please check for updates (if any) in January 2021. 

Inquiries and more info: tangoandreamonti@gmail.com