Casa Captivating
Exclusive Interviews
Casa Romantica’s site-specific commissioned dance concert Tango Romantica, featuring Miriam Larici and Leonardo Barrionuevo, sold out in just a few short weeks. They are known for their appearances on the hit TV shows So You Think You Can Dance? and Dancing with the Stars. Due to high demand, we have decided to add another night of performances to share Tango dance and music with more people in our community. In preparation, Casa Romantica has virtually sat down with Miriam and Leonardo to learn more about Tango dance & culture and their professional dancing career.
Can you briefly explain the history of Tango?
Tango is one of the most influential and famous dances of modern history, originating from the streets of 18th century Buenos Aires in Argentina, as the favorite dance of the European immigrants, former slaves, working, and lower classes of people. The quick rise in its popularity enabled this famous dance to quickly expand out of South America, becoming commonplace in Europe, North America, and the rest of the world. With the rich history, numerous types and styles, and incredible appeal, tango dance remain one of the most popular dances in the entire world.
The dancer’s dynamic with each other during a Tango piece is unique and romantic, can you explain this dynamic and how it differs from other partner dance genres?
Tango dance is one the most famous partner dances that emphasizes the vibrant and playful style of movement, rich expressions, improvisation and requires close connection and passion between dancers. It is currently practiced by millions of people from all around the world.
The core concept of the tango dance revolves around leader and follower, where leader through their embrace gives openings to the follower what to do, and follower then chooses how he will respond. The end result of this cooperative process can be a highly improvisational dance.
The attire of the tango dancers is also important because it significantly impacts the visual appeal of the dance, most notably with female dancers promoting their elegance by performing passionate tango dance routines while wearing classy clothing and high heels.
How did you get into Tango dance?
We were exposed to Tango culture, dance, music, and poems in Argentina our whole lives.
Miriam started dancing ballet at the age of 5 and later social and stage Tango Dance.
Leonardo started dancing Tango at the age of 12, for stage as first and later as a Social dancing.
In both cases, Tango was part of our Culture since we had born.
How did the two of you become dancing partners?
Back in 2008, We were in different Countries. Leonardo in Argentina. Miriam in the US. We were already dancing professionally and searching for a partner to create a Tango Couple to be part of several shows around the World. We got in touch and Leonardo flew to the US to start rehearsing and performing right away.
Are there any other styles of dance you are trained in?
Yes, we’ve trained in Ballet, Argentine Folk dance, Flamenco, Contemporary, and Musicals.
Why is Tango so important to you?
Tango is part of our culture and we feel representing it.
Tango for us is a great tool, to work on people’s self-confidence, improvisational skills which improve brain capacities as well as balance and coordination. When you Tango, you enhance yourself without words. The embrace is healing.
The Power of Tango is unique!
This is the first time Casa Romantica will have live music and dancing at the same time, can you speak to how that is different from using pre-recorded music?
The emotion of the musicians playing their instruments is amazing, and is an interaction between the instruments, musicians, and dancers. We are going to alternate with some pre-recorded music for some of the dance routines, but the show is mainly live music.
Live music will also allow the audience to experience the BANDONEON in action — the main Tango instrument, which gives the style and the melancholic sound.
What excites you the most about performing at Casa Romantica?
It is our first time at Casa Romantica and we are really excited to present a Spectacular performance to inspire, amaze, excite and delight the audience and also introduce the Tango to those who haven’t discover it yet.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Tango is a Passion for a lot of people around the World. There is a big Tango community in Orange County and we invite everybody to join the classes (online and in-person) and Milongas (social Dancing places) to experience and get seduce by Tango Dancing!
More info: MiriamLeonardoTango.com
