Festival Artists
Maestros
Jonathan Saavedra
&
Clarisa Aragon
Clarisa and Jonathan belong to a new generation of young dancers who devote themselves entirely to the art of dancing Tango. Their mission is to make tango a lifestyle and, through hard work and commitment to this art, to pass on the traditions, showing how much they love what they do. Dancers since childhood, their professional partnership was born in 2012 in the province of Córdoba, from where they originate. Clarisa and Jonathan were supported unconditionally by their families and their tango community from the very start. This created the foundations of their art. During the following years, their partnership and careers were developed through enriching experiences such as dance competitions, shows and Tango events, encouraging them to take the decision to become professional dancers. Supported by great Maestros and instructors, and their total commitment, they have developed a unique style both in their performances and in their teaching methodology. Moving to Buenos Aires, unimagined growth opportunities emerged. They performed their work in the most popular Milongas and Tango competitions such as the Campeonato de la Cuidad and the Festival y Mundial de Tango (Tango World Championship) which they won (category Tango Pista) in 2015. Clarisa and Jonathan strongly believe their performances are a way to genuinely open up to anyone interested in Tango and to share with them their art. In their teaching, Clarisa & Jonathan offer students their own points of view on technique, different tools tailored for each dancer and their vast knowledge to enable others to experiment with the wonderful art of tango.
Leandro Palou
&
Maria Tsiatsiani
Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani are world-renowned Argentine Tango professionals with a remarkable career spanning several continents. They have performed, taught and judged international AT competitions worldwide, including appearances on TV, radio, theatre and Tango festivals across North & South America, Europe, and Asia. They are highly respected members of the Tango community and are part of the prestigious Tango dance company Tango Por Dos directed by Miguel Angel Zotto. They are also resident Argentine Tango choreographers on BBC Strictly Come Dancing & Dancing with the Stars, bringing their expertise to a global audience. However, their true passion lies in the London Tango Academy, which they have directed since 2003. The school has been nominated and won several awards, including Best Tango School Worldwide in 2018 and 2019, and most recently, Best Dance School of 2023 in the Prestige Awards UK. In 2018, Leandro received a Recognition of Excellence Award from the UK Argentine Embassy, for his work in Tango. They are best known for their elegant style, excellent teaching method & strongly believe that connection, musicality and technique are the keys to fully appreciate the art of Argentine Tango, while they remain committed to preserving its legacy and imparting knowledge from the old milongueros, particularly the Villa Urquiza neighbourhood Salon Style.
Andres Sosa
&
Letitia Simone
Letitia & Andres are both resident teachers at London Tango Academy. A graduate of the prestigious London Contemporary Dance School, Letitia has taught and performed Tango across Europe. A talented choreographer, dancer and yoga teacher, Letitia specialises in understanding body movement & dynamics and brings a wealth of experience to her teaching. Born in Argentina, Andres started dancing Tango and Argentine Folklore as a child. After moving to Buenos Aires, he studied with the great masters of tango, going on to perform with prominent tango theatre companies as well as performances in many of the city’s prestigious milongas. Since working together professionally as a dance couple, Letitia & Andres have taught and performed both in the UK and Europe. Their teaching is marked by precise technique and elegance of movement delivered with a sense of fun. They are inspiring to work with.
Carlos Cisneros
&
Emma Reyes
Carlos Cisneros is a talented dancer from Argentina performing for theatre Tango Porteño as well as teaching tango. Thanks to Leandro Palou and Maria Tsiatsiani from Tango Academy, he is now here in London and is a popular member of the LPTA team. Emma Reyes is a Londoner, tango teacher, freelance performer and multimedia artist. She gives regular classes in London and performs in festivals and events around London and the U.K. Carlos & Emma have danced together professionally since 2021 and have quickly gained a reputation their sensual performances and inspiring teaching. They have given performances across the UK and Europe. In 2022 they were finalists in the Tango World Championships in Bs As and will compete again this year. Together, Carlos & Emma love nothing more than to share their passion and knowledge of tango to help students to express themselves more fully within the dance.
Tango DJs
Friday Milonga
Ornella Simonetto
As a DJ, Ornella gives a visual and festive dimension to her work, which stands out for mixing traditional tango with live orchestras and selecting the most upbeat & danceable cortinas. In the last year she has worked every night bringing her feminine, youthful, festive and tango energy to the most outstanding milongas in Buenos Aires, such as La Viruta Tango, Juernes Milonga, Muy Lunes Tango, La Rosa Milonga, Milonga A La Parrilla. among many more around the world.
Saturday Milonga
Diego Doigneau
For 9 years Diego has been the resident DJ at Negracha Tango Club, London’s biggest milonga, while also DJing in all London and many UK Milongas. He has also been a DJ at major worldwide festivals and milongas including River Tango in London, Mediterranean Summer Tango Festival in Porec, Brussels Tango Festival, CircuiTo milonguero in Turin, Festivalito in Edinburgh, Tango Torino Festival, Maldito Tango in Sweden, Otoño en Palermo tango Festival, Bella Ciao Marathon in Tours France, Practica X and Viva la Pepa in Buenos Aires and many more.
Saturday Alternative Milonga
Wayne Rozier
Founder of Tango Ffs, Wayne is known for his eclectic mix of traditional and alternative tango music from across the world. He has built an enviable collection of traditional, Nuevo, electro, neo and world tango along with danceable non-tango music. Wayne DJ’s at milonga and festivals across the UK and the USA. He runs the very successful Papa Caliente milonga in Reading.
Sunday Milonga
Fabienne Ines
Fabienne is a London-based tango DJ and dancer. She has been researching and building her tango collection since 2013, but says she will forever be on the hunt for tunes that resonate deeply. Be it energetic and rhythmic, or slow and silky; Fabienne has an affection for music that packs an emotional punch and has playful musicality. Her repertoire is drawn from the classical decades, peppered with hidden gems.
