With over 30 years of combined experience, Galletto and Guzmán have produced sold-out shows, festivals, galas, and master workshops. Their thoughtful teaching style has trained pre-professionals, seasoned dancers, and seniors alike. Fueled by passion, they continue to innovate through every challenge.
Our Story
After decades of living and working in NYC, Dardo Galletto and Alonso Guzmán bought a slightly neglected dairy goat farm and set about cleaning and renovating it, and so began Southbury Dance and Recreation.
Founders
Dardo Galletto
2001 – Immigrated from Argentina to NYC
After touring internationally with the Julio Bocca Dance Company, Dardo Galletto immigrated to New York City just two months after 9/11 and mere weeks before Argentina’s financial collapse.
Galletto introduced the first authentically Argentine Tango classes in New York City, quickly establishing himself as one of the most prominent and innovative Contemporary and Tango dancers of his generation. Over the years, he produced numerous sold-out performances and choreographed for various dance companies across the United States.
In 2010, Galletto founded Dardo Galletto Studios in Times Square, where he continued to develop his choreographic works and share his teachings. Through his studio’s success, he played a pivotal role in helping the first generations of Argentine Tango dancers immigrate to New York City and find professional opportunities.
>Read Galletto’s full story on ggtango.com
Alonso Guzmán
2011 – Immigrated from Puerto Rico to NYC
After a decade competing in Mixed Martial Arts, Alonso Guzmán immigrated to New York at 17, earning a prestigious three-year scholarship to The Ailey School. Mentored by Master Milton Myers, Guzmán trained and performed with renowned institutions such as The Juilliard School, The Ailey School, and Jacob’s Pillow. His career reached new heights with performances at The Metropolitan Opera House and with Armitage Gone! Dance. Along the way, he encountered Dardo Galletto, sparking a transformative journey into the world of Argentine Tango and its artistic influence in performing arts.
>Read Guzmán’s full Story on ggtango.com
2015 – 2020
Dancers Re-United
In late 2015, Guzmán’s friend Lucía Jackson urged him to take a Tango class at Dardo Galletto Studios. There, he met Dardo Galletto and reconnected with Sarita Apel and Dannys González. Drawn to Galletto’s blend of precision and artistry, the group soon expanded, producing sold-out shows powered by the performers’ volunteer dedication.
In March 2020, the pandemic forced the closure of Dardo Galletto Studios, a successful dance space that had thrived for 10 years in Times Square. Unable to sustain rent in NYC, Galletto and Guzmán poured their life savings into a new permanent home in Southbury, CT, where, with help from Dannys González and Lucía Jackson, they built a new studio from the ground up.
