Biographies

Leonardo Fandango

Bridget Mayer

Leonardo began dancing his first Tango steps at the age of seven together with his father who, apart from being an artist, also had a great passion for Tango since childhood. In these early days, Leonardo already participated in Tango Workshops, dancing a very old style of Tango called “Orillero”, together with Roberto Paulini, who was a student of Benito Bianquet, known as the famous “el Cachafas”, who still keeps this very old traditional style of dance alive.

In 1979 Leonardo finished his studies as an instructor of Tango and native dances with the School of Dance “Teatro Roma” in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires. From this moment onwards, he began to perform in shows as a Tango dancer. In 1983 he founded a group called “Hijos de Artistas” together with artists (visual art) who continued to work together until 1988. They also organized a new year’s eve festival in front of the famous Obelisco of Buenos Aires to help charities helping children in hospitals.

Leonardo worked as a dancer and singer in numerous theatre pieces and shows: “Teatro Alvear, San Martin”, “Teatro de la Rivera”, “Teatro Margarita Sirgus” in San Telmo and Teatro Roma, Avellaneda (to name but a few).

As a choreographer Leonardo worked in the “Teatro Gral San Martin” in works (sainetes) of Alberto Bacarezza named “Su cuna fue un conventillo” and “El conventillo de la paloma”, in which he choreographed both, the actors and singers.

Leonardo danced in participation with Orchestras “Fernandez Branca, Tipica Imperial” and “El Quinteto” directed by Eduardo Malaguarnera (Violin player in “Orquestra de Tango de Buenos Aires”). In this formation he danced together with his former dance partner in famous places such as “Café Tortoni”, “El Viejo Almacen”, “Salon del Congreso de la Nacion Argentinas” and in different provinces.

In Buenos Aires Leonardo was director of the School of Tango called “Alma de Fandango”, whose aim is to spread the Tango amongst secondary schools. This project has been approved by the Secretary of Education in Buenos Aires.

He is teaching together with Bridget at various places in London. He danced in the 3rd international Tango Festival in London in November 2001 and performed and taught with Bridget at the 1st Leeds Tango Festival 2004. Leo recently taught & performed at the 1st TangoExtravaganzaUK Festival in London 2007.

Leonardo's style of Tango is very unique and authentic and in his dancing he reflects the years of being brought up and having lived amongst family and friends who themselves loved Tango - not only as a dance but also it's music, poetry and philosophy.  His approach to Tango is not only technical but also sentimental and his teaching method reflects on this as he believes that every individual should develop his own style and personality in the dance.

Bridget was born in Germany and she developed her love for dancing as a teenager when she studied Ballroom dancing as well as other dances. She participated and won several Dance Competitions in different dances.

Bridget learned Sevillanas Dancing in Spain for 9 months (Spanish couple dance from Sevilla). In 1995 she thoroughly studied Salsa for 5 years with Elder Sanchez from Columbia (one of London's first & well known Salsa teacher). Bridget dances all different styles of Salsa, which includes Colombian & New York. Her preference however, is Cuban Salsa, which she studied with different Cuban teachers here in England as well as in Cuba. In 1998 Bridget featured on Channel 5, taking part of the Salsa UK Championship in London.

In 2001, Bridget spent 1 year in Buenos Aires where she underwent extensive training in Argentine Tango. She studied with Claudia Bozzo at the "School of Tango" where she was also trained in posture and alignment. Other teachers include Carlos Rivarola (Lead dancer of the Carlos Saura film "Tango").

She acquired her main Tango skills from her partner Leonardo Fandango over the last 7 years, with whom she has also performed together in Buenos Aires and in the province of Argentina. Leonardo & Bridget have taught and performed at the 1st Leeds Tango Festival in 2004 and recently taught and performed at the First TangoExtravaganzaUK Festival in London 2007. Bridget organises & runs various events & classes together with Leonardo in the South of London.

Bridget devotes a lot of her time on Ladies Technique and over the years she has developed a thorough understanding and approach to the Technique of the authentic Tango. She has studied extensively with Aurora Lubiz, currently amongst one of the most popular female dancers & Ladies technique teachers in Buenos Aires. Bridget sometimes gives Workshops in this area.

Bridget holds an OCR Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Exercise and Fitness and she is also trained in Stretching.

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