Claudio Villagra

Over 4 decades of Tango can barely sum up the fact that Claudio Villagra belongs to what can be referred to as the “golden” generation of tango dancers in Argentina. He studied dance at the famous Teatro Colon School of Art in Buenos Aires and in the Dance School Jose Neglia in Moron. He also developed his abilities with teachers ranging from his grandfather Hector Contrera at the age of five years old to great renowned milongueros as Aurelio Juan, Juan Carlos Copes, Virulazo, Antonio Todaro, Pepito Avellaneda, Gloria y Eduardo, the Dinzels, N. Guichanduc among others. Extensively touring throughout all the United States, Central and South America, Europe and Asia, Claudio has appeared on major stages like Broadway Theaters in New York City such as Walter Kerr Theatre and Marquis Theatre, the Olympia in Paris, Luna Park, the Astral Theater and Cervantes National Theater in Buenos Aires, the Auditorio Nacional and the Teatro Bellas Artes in Mexico. He has been the featured as main dancer in shows like Forever Tango, Malambo, Tango Seduccion, Tango Argentino and Tanguera. Claudio has also directed and choreographed his own show, Latin Tango and is now again creating his new show “Tango's Heart”. He has worked with the renowned orchestras of Boston Pop, Osvaldo Pugliese, Mariano Mores, El Arranque, Color Tango, Sexteto Sur, El Arranque, Sexteto Mayor, Sexteto Milonguero, Los Solistas de D'Arienzo, La Juan D'Arienzo and others.  Claudio won first place at the most important competition of Argentina and Latin America in the 90’s the Cosquin Festival as best tango dancer and the Forever Tango Show was nominated for a Tony Awards for Best Choreography which included choreography made by him. One of the most memorable moments of his career was to dance on the show of the Boston Pops in 1998 being announced by Leslie Caron at the legendary Symphony Hall. Claudio has participated in many events both Nationally and Internationally, as well as representing the Argentine government on many occasions. He was invited to be part of many Tango Festivals and events throughout the world as an artist and also as the main judge in prestigious competitions of Tango in several countries including the final rounds of the International World Tango Championship in Buenos Aires. Now Claudio has a ten-year partnership with the internationally known Tango dancer Helena Fernandez who has developed a particular method of teaching coaching thousands of students all over the world. Claudio and Helena are known artistically as Los Villagra.