Claudio Villagra

With four decades of experience, Claudio Villagra belongs to the “golden” generation of tango dancers in Argentina. Claudio began dancing at the age of five under the tutelage of his grandfather, Hector Contrera. He studied dance at Teatro Colon School of Art in Buenos Aires and at the Dance School Jose Neglia in Moron. He further developed his abilities with teachers and renowned milongueros: Aurelio Juan, Juan Carlos Copes, Jorge Martin Orcaizaguirre “Virulazo”, Antonio Todaro, Pepito Avellaneda, Gloria and Eduardo Arquimbao, Gloria and Rodolfo Dinzel, and Norberto Guichanduc among others.

Claudio has toured extensively throughout the United States, Central and South America, Europe and Asia, and has appeared on many major stages: Walter Kerr Theater and Marquis Theater, New York City, Broadway; the Olympia in Paris; Luna Park, Astral Theater and Cervantes National Theater, Buenos Aires; and Auditorio Nacional and Teatro Bellas Artes, Mexico.

Claudio won first place at the most important tango competition of Argentina and Latin America in the 90’s, the Cosquin Festival. He has been featured as main dancer in shows such as Forever Tango, Malambo, Tango Seduccion, Tango Argentino and Tanguera. Claudio’s choreography of Forever Tango was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Choreography.Additionally,

Claudio has directed and choreographed his own show, Latin Tango and is now again creating a new show, Tango's Heart.

He has worked with the renowned orchestras of Boston Pops, Osvaldo Pugliese, Mariano Mores, El Arranque, Color Tango, Sexteto Sur, Sexteto Mayor, Sexteto Milonguero, Los Solistas de D'Arienzo, La Juan D'Arienzo and others.

Claudio’s most memorable moment of his career was dancing in the show of the Boston Pops in 1998 and being announced by Leslie Caron at the legendary Symphony Hall.

Claudio has participated in many diverse events both nationally and internationally and on many occasions represented the Argentine government. He currently receives invitations from prestigious Tango Festivals, competitions and events throughout the world as artist and as main judge. Claudio judged the final rounds of the International World Tango Championship in Buenos Aires.Now, Claudio has a ten plus year partnership with the internationally known Tango dancer Helena Fernandez. Claudio and Helena are known artistically as Los Villagra.