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 his 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 his full Story on ggtango.com
2015 – 2020
Dancers Re-United
In late 2015, Guzmán’s colleague and longtime friend, Lucía Jackson, encouraged him to take a Tango class at Dardo Galletto Studios. It was there that Guzmán first met Dardo Galletto and reconnected with old friends and fellow dancers, Sarita Apel and Dannys González. Together, Guzmán, Apel, Jackson, and González were drawn to Galletto’s unique and sensible approach to movement, which seamlessly blended technical precision with artistry. The group of dancers quickly grew, eventually producing numerous sold-out productions, all made possible by the dedication of the performers, who volunteer their time and talent.
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reached New York City, forcing Dardo Galletto Studios to close its doors. Faced with the inability to continue paying rent in NYC, Dardo Galletto and Alonso Guzmán made the bold decision to invest their life savings into purchasing a permanent home in Southbury, Connecticut.
With Dannys González becoming a licensed contractor, he and Lucía Jackson worked alongside Galletto and Guzmán to transform the new property into a fully functional dance studio.
With over 30 years of combined experience in the field of dance, Galletto and Guzmán have produced sold-out theater productions, dance festivals, galas, master workshops, and more. Their sensible teaching approach to dance has proven successful in training pre-professionals, seasoned professionals, and seniors alike. Driven by their unwavering passion and inspiration for their craft, they continue to persevere and innovate, no matter the challenges they face.