Dancing has always been a part of my life. I performed my first solo at the age of four and began making dances at 10. But it wasn’t until graduate school that the Argentine blood in my veins manifested itself in a love and pursuit of the Argentine Tango. Once the tango spell had been cast, I went wherever possible in pursuit of its lure, and in the process I discovered that my grandfather (who passed away shortly after I was born) was a milonguero.
2009 marks my 11th year loving this dance and I have been fortunate to study with many great maestros of varied styles including: Graciela Gonzalez, Luciana Valle, Fabian Salas, Fernanda y Guillermo, Brigitta Winkler, and Tomas Howlin to name a few.
After receiving a Master of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography from Arizona State University in 2000, I moved to New York City and began teaching this exquisite couples dance.
What has always interested me about Argentine Tango is the internal communication and negotiation of the couple that takes place within the dance. A language that people find so personal and captivating that they become obsessed with learning how to tango, obsessed with a desire to understand the music and wanting more – more dances more embraces more information more tango.
I too continue to explore this dance – through theoretical frameworks, through the music, through writings and by visiting Argentina yearly.
For several years, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of the "evolution" of tango. After presenting a paper at a Dance Conference that explored this idea, I continue to be fascinated with and eagerly watching an emphasis and possible division within the dance due to style variations.
All these factors influence my pedagogy and my teaching methods. The student is first. Learning tango is a lifelong journey. I emphasize the connection and a basic understanding of walking. I also believe that as a student begins to feel comfortable within the framework of the dance they discover their style.
My theoretical and technical background in contemporary dance, my enthusiasm and passion, intuitive nature, and artistry contribute to my methods as a dance instructor. Teaching Argentine Tango is my full-time profession. I teach both the leaders and the followers’ roles locally in Arizona. I continue to receive grants to study in Buenos Aires as I return each year for professional growth. With my unique style and strong focus on social dancing I have taught workshops in San Diego, CA; Charleston, SC; Flagstaff, AZ; Washington DC; Las Cruces, NM; and El Paso and Houston, TX as well as assisting classes in Buenos Aires.
I know I can get you to dance, the rest is up to you.
