Kelly Lettieri

After years of touring in and teaching Musical Theatre, Kelly walked into her first Tango class. She was hooked and began her professional training immediately studying with some of the world’s top names in Tango. In turn, as a faculty member at Steps on Broadway, Astoria Tango Club, and Brooklyn Tango, she has taught dance professionals and choreographers from around the world, and has introduced many New York tango aficionados to their first Tango steps.

A 3-time finalist in the Official US Tango Championship, Kelly won second place in the US in Tango de Pista in 2016. Based in NY, she can be found teaching, performing, and choreographing in venues throughout the US.

Notable projects include the Adictango Gala Dinner Show in Philadelphia with Sergio Martin Almiron, performing with Tanghetto and being featured in their upcoming “Walk on the Wild Side” music video with Chealsea Eng, and performing at the Argentine Consulate in NY’s Bicentenario celebration as well as performing with the Astoria Tango Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Binelli, with Diego Gorostiaga. In January 2019, Kelly will be a guest peformer at the Manila Tango Marathon.

Class Description

Argentine Tango is an improvisational dance form which originated in Buenos Aires in the first half of the 20th century. In the years since its origin, Argentine Tango has evolved to become a worldwide phenomenon. Though popular exposure to Tango is often through stage and screen, it can also be found every night in cities around the globe at Milongas, or socials dedicated to the dance. At Milongas, complete strangers can dance together using the vocabulary of Argentine Tango. This emphasis on true leading and following greatly improves partnering and improvisational skills in any genre of dance.

Open Tango begins with a series of technical exercises that enhance individual balance, speed, and control. This solo technique provides a foundation that allows leaders and followers to connect to each other and express themselves to the music. The second half of the class introduces Tango elements and figures that are danced within a partnership. No partner is required. Wear shoes that you can pivot in; rubber soles are not recommended.