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 Conservatory
Founders
Dardo Galletto
2001 – Immigrated from Argentina into NYC
After Dardo Galletto toured the world with Julio Bocca Dance Company, he immigrated to New York City two months after 9/11, and a month before the financial collapse of the nation of Argentina.
Dardo Galletto introduced the first, authentically Argentinian, Tango classes in New York City. He quickly became one of the most upcoming Contemporary and Tango dancers of his generation. He produced a dozen sold-out performances and choreographed for various dance companies in the US. By 2010 Galletto founded Dardo Galletto Studios in Times Square to continue his choreographic works and teachings. With his business standing, he helped the first generations of Argentine Tango Dancers immigrate and find work in New York City.
Alonso Guzmán
2011 – Immigrated from Puerto Rico into NYC
After Alonso Guzmán enjoyed a decade’s worth of competitive Mix Martial Arts he immigrated to New York by the age of 17. He was awarded a 3-year full scholarship at The Ailey School.
He danced under the mentorship of Master Milton Myers for The Juilliard School, The Ailey School, and Jacob’s Pillow. From there he took off to work in The Metropolitan Opera House and other major dance companies until he met Dardo Galletto.
2015 – 2020
Dancers Re-United
In late 2015 Guzmán’s colleague and old friend, Lucía Jackson, suggested he take a Tango class in Dardo Galletto Studios. Soon enough Guzmán met Galletto and also reconnected with old dancer friends Sarita Apel and Dannys González. Guzmán, Apel, Jackson, and González found Dardo Galletto’s approach to movement technique unique, sensible, and rich in technique and artistry. The dance group grew and managed to produce numerous sold-out productions. All dancers volunteer.
On March 2020, the covid pandemic arrived in NYC and forced Dardo Galletto Studios to close. Dardo Galletto and Alonso Guzmán knew that continuing to pay rent in NYC wasn’t an option and decided to invest their life’s savings in buying a permanent home located in Southbury, CT.
With González becoming a licensed constructor, Jackson and González helped Galletto and Guzmán convert their permanent home into their dance studio.
With over 30 years of experience in the field of dance, Galletto & Guzmán produced sold-out theater productions, dance festivals, galas, master workshops, and so much more. Their sensible pedagogic and andragogic approach to dance has proven successful in pre-professionals, professionals, and seniors. Inspiration and passion for their craft have been their constant fuel to keep on going no matter what.