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The dancers
Led by Tony award winner Cecilia Saia, the tango dancers of Spotlight on Tango come together with their unique backgrounds and exceptional dancing techniques to illustrate the attractive and powerful characteristics of Tango. A wonderful cast of six tango dancers present an inspirational perspective to the turn of the century genre.
Cecilia Saia
Born in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Cecilia Saia began studying art and dance at the age of eight and was a graduate of the Municipal School of Modern Dance General San Martin. Later, she graduated as a classical dance teacher from the Escuela Nacional de Danzas (Argentina). Her career path illustrates a broad knowledge of the tango dance that she has expressed in America as well as abroad, including Europe. In addition to her work on Tango First Century, she has participated in the most well-known tango productions - including Forever Tango and Tango Passion. As well, her work with masters of the tango and dance such as Juan Carlos Copes & Maria Nieves, Julian Plaza, Atilio Stampone, El Sexteto Mayor and Julio Bocca has won her the recognition of tango industry experts. Cecilia Saia is a Tony Award recipient.
Angel Garcia
Director of TANGO Y MAS Theatrical dance company and originator of DANCE FURY, and ROXANA'S TANGO nominated for best Musical and best Director in 2007 by the ACE awards. He is one of New York’s most popular and accomplished dancers and Choreographers. Audiences throughout the U.S., South America and Europe have cheered the intensity and authenticity that is the hallmark of his work. He has choreographed, directed and or danced in numerous productions, including The Musical "Camilla" and Latin Rhythms with Chita Rivera for Broadway cares. In NYC he has performed in important venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden to name a few , in music videos, My Cousin Vinnie and Tu Corazón from the film Dance With Me, Falling in Rhythm and the new Disney film Enchanted.
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Leah Barsky
Leah Barsky was born in Germany but moved to the United States at a very young age with her family. Ms. Barsky has been dancing since the age of five. Ms. Barsky trained in ballet, modern, jazz and character. She has attended California institute of the Arts, American Dance Festival, The Julliard School Summer Intensive and New York State Summer School of the Arts on full scholarship. Ms. Barsky began studying tango over five years ago. Since moving to NYC, she has performed nationally and abroad with such companies as Nai Ni Chen Dance Company, New Generation Dance Company, Westminster Ballet Theatre, Marta Renzi and Dancers, Tango y Más and The Metropolitan Opera. Ms. Barsky is also a certified Pilates instructor.
Carlos Cañedo
Carlos Cañedo began performing professionally at age 14 and has performed throughout Argentina, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the United States, both as a dancer and as a musician. As a member of TANGO A MEDIA LUZ, Carlos was dance captain and assistant under Tango great, Pampa Cortes. Carlos was in the cast of SWANGO, and performed in the show TANGO Y VIDA. He performed in Romulo Larrea's TANGOS PARA LA MILONGA, and is a cast member of FUSION TANGO. He has also worked with movie stars Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, and film director Spike Jonez. Carlos was invited to teach for the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, and was guest choreographer for New York's ATREVETE DANCE COMPANY. He has also choreographed cast members of the hit Broadway show FOREVER TANGO in his own company. |
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Mariana Galassi
Mariana Galassi was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she started dancing Tango more than nine years ago. She trained intensively in Buenos Aires with Chicho Frumboli and Lucia Mazer, Julio Balmaceda and Corina de la Rosa and Gustavo Naveira. Her background also includes modern dance, ballet and contact improvisation. In 2000 she moved to New York City where she currently teaches Argentine Tango at the Sandra Cameron Dance Center. She travels throughout the United States performing at different venues and giving workshops. She has also participated as a dancer and teacher in several Tango festivals including the prestigious International Congress of Argentine Tango (CITA, Buenos Aires 2004) where she was one of the main masters. Her personal interpretation of the dance makes her one of the most distinctive and exciting dancers of the new generation.
Walter Perez
Walter Perez began dancing in his hometown, Buenos Aires, when he was twenty-one. Since 1993, he has dedicated his career to studying Argentine Tango and the broad spectrum of Latin dances. Walter has trained in various styles and techniques with renowned Tango instructors such as Juan Carlos Copes, Graciela Gonzalez and Rodolfo Dinzel. Integrating dance techniques used in Ballet, Jazz, Modern Dance, and Acting, a unique fusion of style and skill has blossomed. Walter has performed with several dance companies, arts centers, and theaters. He has additionally participated in several Television variety shows and special events. His latest accomplishment is as a featured dancer in the Off-Broadway Production of “Let’s Speak Tango” directed by Carlos Magaletti.
Mariana Parma
Dancer and choreographer Mariana Parma is widely known and admired for her masterful expertise in Argentine Tango and Salsa. She is an in-demand performer and has choreographed theater productions. Mariana has been featured in film, including Random Hearts, and on national TV. Based in NYC, she was a producer and performer in the off-Broadway hit Swango, the Musical, and coached Chita Rivera on how to tango for Venecia, directed by Arthur Laurents. She has danced on the stages of Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, The Town Hall and was the choreographer for All That Tango, which won a 2002 ACE Award for Best Latin Musical.
Hernán Brizuela
Tango teacher and dancer from Mendoza, Argentina, he is known in NYC for his tanguero style. He received his first tango lesson from his mom, at the age of 10. In New York City, Hernán's first and most influential teacher was Cesar Coelho of "Forever Tango". Hernán has performed and taught at Tango Festivals in New York City and Boston. He Choreographed and starred in the short film, "Gardenias". His theater experience includes "The Four Tango Seasons" at Thalia Theater and the off-Broadway dance play "Let's Speak Tango." In December 2008, he performed at the United Nations with Cyrena Drusine under the direction of Hector Zaraspe.
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