DANIELA THROUGH LIFE
Daniela and Armando looked as if they had stepped straight out of the 1940’s, in smooth-flowing dance filled with drama, atmosphere and subtle humor.”
The New York Times
“Daniela and Armando glided gracefully from one end to the other. Arm in arm, eyes locked, they moved effortlessly to the beat, teaching the dance of love, the tango.”
The New York Times, 1997
Daniela Arcuri resides in the Los Angeles area where she teaches, choreographed, private coaches, organizes tango events and performs-directs shows for private parties & theaters. She also travels within the United States & the rest of the world teaching and performing in festivals. Annually she goes to "LA MECCA del Tango", Buenos Aires, Argentina with her students to visit the city where tango was born, dance at its milongas (tango dance events) & meet the legendary "milongueros" (term that start describing the social dancers from the golden age, someone that was "habitue" to the milongas. Today there are milongueros all around the world) .
Learn from the best! Daniela will make your tango journey an unforgettable experience!
UP: With Jathan Rafael Sanchez at Matador Beach, Malibu CA | Summit Festival, LAX | NYC | Sebastian Tango at Borges Theater, Buenos Aires | with Tango Pasion at the Long Acre Theater, Broadway NYC ~ BELOW: With Armando Orzuza at La Candela, Cacho Dinzel Tango School in San Telmo, Buenos Aires | Reykjavik, Iceland.
~ Photos by David Linder, Lance Bird, Zuzanna Jurisova, Robert Le and Nhora Prieto ~
BIO
CHOREOGRAPHER, MASTER TEACHER, PRODUCER & TANGO PERFORMER
More than 30 years of experience
Daniela Arcuri grew up in the heart of Buenos Aires, where she absorbed the English, French, Spanish and mostly Italian influences that define the cosmopolitan culture. She was also influenced by her parents who introduced her to the world of dance and gymnastics at a very young age. Her dynamic drive started very early on at the age of seven, when she started to develop a strong passion for movement and the artistic spirit. She began training in all forms of dance including ballet, modern dance, Argentinian folk, jazz, gymnastics, rhythmic (hoop, ball, ribbon, rope and clubs) and artistic (only floor), as well as having studied yoga, fitness, acting, directing and music. Her ability to connect movement and emotion with the music have earned her top accolades in rhythmic gymnastics and in 1986 she became National Champion of Argentina, competing nationally and internationally. She retired from gymnastics after competing in the “Four Continents Championship” in Australia and “Kiwi Cup” in New Zealand. She was invited to participate in the exhibitions during the US Gymnastics Team visit at the colossal stadium “Luna Park” in her hometown, 1987.
Daniela graduated with honors from the prestigious “Escuela Nacional de Danzas”, where she received a Master Dance Teacher degree and began teaching, choreographing and performing in all forms of dance. Also, she graduated from the “Instituto Nacional de Gimnasia” where she received the title of Instructor of Artistic Gymnastics.
Daniela coached the recreational and pre-competitive artistic and rhythmic gymnastics group at her club “Gimnasia y Esgrima” in Buenos Aires. The routines she choreographed for her gymnasts helped them to win 1st place in their events. Later she was invited to become part of the jury for provincial and national gymnastics tournaments in Argentina and South America.
Daniela’s early intensive training and accomplishments generate a unique style that expresses a full range of feelings and emotions. Daniela credits her uniqueness from her early training in all forms of dance and the influence of the Russian dancers and gymnasts that visited Argentina in the 1980’s.
After many years of training in Argentine Tango, she shifted her focus to performing and creating tango shows. After meeting Armando Orzuza, she felt confident that with her guidance they could become a recognized Tango dance team. In the beginning of their tango career they demonstrated artistic flame, leadership and courage prompting tango critics to comment, “Daniela Arcuri and Armando Orzuza were always ahead of their time”. In their 15 year successful career they distinguished themselves as one of the top professional tango couples and won worldwide acclaim and recognition. They were brought to the United States by world-renowned producer Mel Howard to perform on Broadway with “Tango Pasion” as solo principal dancers. For their outstanding performance they received recognition from well-known dance critic Anna Kisselgoff, New York Times. In her critique she wrote, “Daniela Arcuri & Armando Orzuza move with ambling urgency but also silky smoothness”. Upon their return to Aires they received an award for “The Best Young Tango Couple”.
Later, Daniela & Armando opened their own tango school called, “Tierra Tango'' in Buenos Aires and were regularly appearing on international TV programs including the Solo Tango TV Channel in Buenos Aires. They continued teaching and performing in prestigious tango festivals in more than 200 cities in Asia, Europe, United States and South America, including Tokyo, Hiroshima, Lausanne, Torino, Bologna, Rome, Geneva, Paris, Toulouse, Berlin, Hamburg, Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Munich, Madrid, Valencia, New York, Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, Santiago de Chile and São Paulo, Brazil, just to name a few.
One of the highlights of their career was performing on famous TV shows sharing their mastery, passion and magic with distinguished artist Julio Iglesias on Oprah Winfrey and Cristina Show. In addition, they also performed several times with Don Francisco in Sabado Gigante Show and Emeril Lagasse’s Show and were invited to be consultant choreographers and dancers in the movie “Evita”, starring Madonna and directed by Alan Parker. They also choreographed for Madonna’s “Re-Invention Tour Show” and trained and choreographed Luciana Pedraza’s performance in the movie “Assassination Tango”, directed by Robert Duval. On the lighter side, Daniela made an unforgettable cameo performance in the IBM commercial that has been aired, for the first time during the 1996 Oscar Ceremony.
She has produced and directed tango shows that have been developed and perfected through the years and ultimately were performed for large audiences in Denmark, Sweden, Argentina, Japan and the well known Kravis Center for The Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Los Angeles Theater Center, California.
Daniela drive is to forge in her students a love for the arts by developing their creativity, passion, perseverance and conduct. She is well known for her teaching expertise in both rolls, leaders and followers and in all the rhythms specially milonga. At the present time she teaches tango classes at The Tango Room Dance Center in Sherman Oaks, California.
She is fluent in English and Spanish, she also speaks some Italian and French. She is an enthusiastic, honest, self motivated, friendly person with a strong work ethic and caring personality. She was diagnose with rectal colon cancer in 2018 and after chemotherapy, radiation and two surgeries she is still on the dance floor and raising her kids thanks to all the generous support of hers friends, family and the tango community from allover the world. She is so grateful to be able to keep teaching while she still recovering and getting back to the "tanguero" life again during the pandemic.
Daniela resides in Agoura Hills with her two sons Maximo and Luciano, Her oldest son Maximo will be graduating as a Mechanic in December 2021 and Luciano, the youngest is assisting 11 grade in high school. She moved to the US in 1992 and has lived between New York City, Cherry Hill NJ, Miami FL, Austin TX and Los Angeles with some interruptions of a few years when she came back to her town Buenos Aires to be close to family and work opportunities.
REVIEWS FROM STUDENTS
"I first met Daniela in Austin TX . She is amazing , not only as a dancer but as an instructor too. I was very fortunate to be one of her students . She taught me the first tango steps , she coached me through musicality and created a passion as well as a desire for me to dance . I am grateful for the encouragement and her believing in me at the times when I wanted to quit . And she taught me how to enjoy the process of learning , the importance of practicing as well as patience . Indeed , I often remind myself of Daniela’s tips . Daniela things a world of her students, her dedication, patience, and hard work are for sure her biggest strength. She loves organizing milongas and events that we will remember as warm and welcoming . She is greatly missed .
Olivera Keric, Austin TX
Brava! Daniela is amazing! she makes it look easy and teaches you how to "feel" tango.... wish she were back on the east coast so we could still do classes with her.
Anne Rosenberg, Mt.Laurel NJ
Daniela is an outstanding dance teacher of Argentine Tango. She is among the few who can teach you Authentic Argentine Tango; and the only person who can teach Authentic "Milonguero" style in LA.
Omid Hasanli, San Diego CA
I was a student of Daniela for several years while she resided in Austin, TX. She is a very knowledgeable and patient instructor. My interaction with her improved my dancing and my confidence considerably. In addition I had the pleasure of preparing for and participating in several group performances for the public, which she had choreographed and for which she guided our preparation.
Fred Ferrate, Austin TX
I m had 6 years training at a professional Dancing School. And 26 years as professional dancer at stage. But to join the Tango i m is a new student. So lucky to have Doniela to be my teacher. Love the way she gives me instructions. To explain how the body works differently from other dance. Thanks so much. Love you. And will follow up with you.
Lydia Xie, San Pedro CA
I had been dancing Tango for 7 years when I first met Daniela Arcuri. I had taken multiple classes with local and visiting instructors. Daniela teaches body mechanics at a level that I had not seen. This has given me the tools to create my own style and expression. Daniela takes a personal interest in every student. She has taught Tango worldwide and has goals to elevate the entire community. Los Angeles is lucky to have her.
Ann Marie Montalbano, Sherman Oaks CA
Daniela is an elite Tango teacher of the highest order. Follow her around like a dog. I did. If you're serious about your Tango, "cabeceo" her. A dance with Daniela will change your life.
Don Heilbrun, Los Angeles CA
Daniela is excellent with leaders, followers or couples. She focuses on technique and not just steps. She includes musicality and all types of tango. Daniela is not just a dancer who teaches but a professional instructor with years of experience. I look forward to my lessons and improve with every class. Highly recommend.
Beatrice Stmary, Burbank CA
This tango teacher is excellent, among the best I have ever met...
As Daniela mentions in her biography, I brought her and her partner to Denmark, back in 1992. That summer the Argentine Tango arrived in Copenhagen with Daniela and Armando's excellent performance and they taught a lucky group of people how to dance. I am grateful for having met Daniela and for having received her classes. She is a true artist both as a performer and a teacher.
Navina Ostergaad, Kopenhagen Denmark
Daniela Arcuri is a master Argentine Tango teacher! I’ve been fortunate to have taken several classes from her lately, and I can’t wait to experience more ! Daniela can immediately assess what a leader or follower needs to improve their skills. Daniela knows what we need to be successful. She explains, models, gives guided practice, and is open to our questions or concerns. Whether you take a group class, semi-private, or private lessons, you will have a wonderful experience!
Bernadette Herdensen, Orange County
Details are important.... Daniela Arcuri teaches those fundamental essential details which make dancing Tango more pleasurable. Daniela teaches fundamental building blocks necessary for a dancer to gain confidence in their Tango. She also helps the answers to reach that next plateau level they desire to reach. Most importantly she does it with kindness and love. Thank you Daniela for helping me take my Tango to the next level and levels beyond that.
Daniel Davila, Austin TX
I've taken many classes and privates lessons from Daniela, and I can say that if you're looking for a full immersion into Argentine Tango and want to dive straight into the deep end, she is a good resource in your journey.
Robert Le, Santa Clarita CA
Daniela was one of my very first teachers about 25 years ago and she is definitely one of the very best and very dedicated.
Lynn Lewin | Casa de Practica, Los Angeles CA
REVIEWS FROM NEWSPAPERS
“Daniela and Armando looked as if they had stepped straight out of the 1940’s, in smooth-flowing dance filled with drama, atmosphere and subtle humor.”
The New York Times, 1997
“Daniela and Armando glided gracefully from one end to the other. Arm in arm, eyes locked, they moved effortlessly to the beat, teaching the dance of love, the tango.”
The New York Times, 1997
“The appeal and the virtue of tango is that it joins two bodies. Sometimes is also joins two souls. Armando and Daniela have been dancing for seven years.”
Sun -Sentinal, Miami, FL 1996
“Daniela Arcuri & Armando Orzuza moves with ambling urgency but also silky smoothness.”
Tango Pasion, Broadway. Anna Kisselgoff, The New York Times, 1993
“All eyes move with Daniela Arcuri & Armando Orzuza at a monthly dance held by the Friends of Tango in Queens, New York. The event is echoed nationwide.”
Smithsonian, 1993
MORE ABOUT BIOGRAPHY
SUMMARY
International Acclaimed Tango Dancer
Former-Gymnast
Choreographer
Creator
Producer
Director
Master Teacher
Gymnastics & Tango Dance Judge
Event Organizer
EDUCATION & TITLES
Master Teacher in all dances / Escuela Nacional de Danzas: “Maria Ruanova”
Metropolitan Champion of Rhythmic Gymnastics, 1985 / Buenos Aires, Argentina
National Champion of Rhythmic Gymnastics, 1986 / Argentina
Member of the National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team / Argentina
4 Continents Cup - Rhythmic Gymnastics Team / Australia
Kiwi Cup - Rhythmic Gymnastics / New Zealand
Best Young Tango Couple / Argentina
Artistic & Rhythmic Gymnastics Instructor / Instituto Nacional de Deportes of Argentina
Artistic & Rhythmic Gymnastics Judge / Certified by Federacion Argentina de Gimnasia
Argentine Tango USA Championships Judge / Certified by World Cup Tango Committee
HIGHLIGHTS
Team Management: Train & supervise professional dancers, singers, musicians, acrobats, mimes and magicians among others. Preparing assistants and different area coordinators.
Leadership & Development: rehearsals, castings, wardrobe fitting, shows.
Budgeting: rehearsals, shows, marketing, office/administration, travel, tours, lights, wardrobe, scenery, media, sound, makeup, etc.
Payroll: rehearsals, shows, tours.
Recruitment & Hiring: setup, advertising and running auditions. Writing contracts with legal advice.
Marketing: design, create and execute promo campaign.
Wardrobe: design or work with designers, dress rehearsal/costume fitting in the necessary timeframe with orders for alterations. Search and shopping of unique materials and accessories. Hand and machine sawing, cutting, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, etc.
Makeup & hair style: creation of image, preparation and execution.
Lighting & Sound: designs made with the lighting designer and sound technician for sound check.
Scenery and Props: designs made for each scene, media editing, props selection and/or construction.
Creator: idea, script, choreography and stage scene by scene to a full show.
Producing & Administrating: securing investors, sponsors, and personnel for budgeting, administrating, executing, supervising.
Tour Organizer: theater rentals and contracts, travel and lodging, visas and permits.
Languages: Bilingual in Spanish and some French and Italian.
EXPERIENCE
Club Gimnasia y Esgrima / 1981-1988
Gymnast & Gymnastics Coach
Dance, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics trainer for 7 to 17 years old girls, who several times became Champions of the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina and South Americans Tournaments. Gymnastic performance with the United States Team at the Luna Park Stadium in Buenos Aires. Competed with the National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team internationally in Chile, Brazil, New Zealand & Australia.
Modern Dance Company / 1988
Member of Group Dancer
Under the direction of Angela Canosa, Claudia Barreta & Marisa Severino
El Acompañamiento, The Movie / 1990
Solo dancer
Acting and dancing.
A Rose For Mr. Tango, Young Theater, Toronto, Canada / 1988-89
Solo Dancer
Under the direction of Juan Carlos Copes performed for the first time on stage as a tango dancer with Guillermo Merlo. Broadway style Tango Show.
Buenos Aires, The Show / 1990-1991
Dance & Dance Supervisor, Choreographer & Creator
Teaching, staging and choreographing non-professional dancers from Switzerland. First creation with musicians, singers, actors and dancers. Costume organizer.
Tango Pasion, Broadway Production / 1992-1993
Solo Tango Dancer, Acting & Modern Dance
Produced by the world renowned Mel Howard, musical producer for “Tango Argentino”, “Flamenco Puro” and “Hello Dolly”. Receiving recognition from the New York Times and other newspapers.
Tango, the show, Kravis Center for The Performing Arts, West Palm Beach FL & Teatro IFT, Buenos Aires / 1993-1994
Partner Dancer Supervisor & Solo Dancer
Under the direction of George Hewitt, who staged the Broadway production of Tango Pasion. Costume organizer.
Evita, The Movie by Alan Parker / 1995
Solo dancer & Consultant Choreographer to Vincent Paterson
Daniela was chosen among 4,000 dancers to dance and assist the legendary choreographer Vincent Paterson (Choreographer of Madonna & Michael Jackson) and Miranda Garrison (First actress in the movie “Dirty Dancing” and “Salsa”).
IBM Commercial / 1996
Solo Dancer
Cameo performance in the IBM commercial, that aired for the first time during the 1996 Oscar Ceremony. Shot in Hollywood, California.
Tango, The Show, Japan Tour / 1997
Director, Creator, Choreographer, Solo Dancer & Dance Supervisor
This two hour show with a cast of 22 members (dancers, singers and musicians) described the history of tango in seven scenes based on real life stories from the birth of tango through the golden age up to the new era of “Tango Nuevo”. Performed at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo among others. Continuation of the first production directed by George Hewitt with the assistance of Alicia Cruzado.
Tango Magic, Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles CA / 1998
Choreographer & Dancer
Performed with the Argentinian cast of dancers and musicians and the Symphonic Orchestra of the Hollywood Bowl directed by John Mauceri. and with the Tango Quintet of Raul Jaurena.
Several TV Appearance in the US & The World, 1993-2000
Dancer
Oprah Winfrey Show with Julio Iglesias, Fox News, Emerald, Sabado Gigante with Don Francisco among others.
Assassination Tango, The Movie by Robert Duval, Hollywood-Buenos Aires /2001
Choreographer & Coach
Of the main dancers Armando Orzuza & Luciana Pedraza.
Tierra Tango, Cafe, Store & Academy / 2001-2002
Master Teacher, School Director & Owner
Creation and development of the first tango program dance in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Tango the show, Tangoing Dance Concert & Tango Back Stage / 1993-2004
Creator, Producer, Choreographer, Solo Dancer, Dance Supervisor & Tour Organizer
Staging, preparing coordinators and in charge of the administration for the National US Tour. Image creator and supervisor of makeup, hair styling and physique.
Re-Invention’s Madonna Tour, Worldwide / 2004
Choreographer
Casting in New York and Los Angeles. Choreography for Madonna and her troupe with the song from the movie of James Bond, Agent 007: Die Another Day.
Sebastian Tango, Complejo Borges, Buenos Aires / 2008
Choreographer & Solo Dancer
Under the direction of the Argentinian Broadway stage director, Ruben Cuello.
Tango Nuevo Cabaret, Ford Theater, Los Angeles CA / 2010
Assistance Choreographer & Assistant Director
A tribute to Astor Piazzolla, the most famous contemporary tango composer. Produced by Sergei Tumas and performed at the Ford Theater in Los Angeles, California.
Dance Teacher at Gold Coast Gym, Ventura CA / May 2017 to Sep 2018
Teaching dancing and choreographing routines for competition for all levels and ages.
Tango Dance Judge at Argentine Tango USA Championships, San Francisco, CA / 2017-18
Judging the generals, final and semi-finals in salon and stage categories.
Different Schools, Seminars Around The World / 1983 to present
Master Dance Teacher & School Director
Forty years of experience teaching ballet, modern, jazz, folklore, contemporary and partner dancing, especially Argentine tango. Organize special dance events and festivals.
Tango Dance Judge at Summit Championships, Los Angeles, CA / 2019
Judging the generals, final and semi-finals in salon and stage categories.
Milonga & Tango Event Organizer / 1990 to Present
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Europe & The United States. At the present time Daniela is organizing "ESA Milonga" at The Tango Room Dance Center in Los Angeles, CA.
With Armando Orzuza : Buenos Aires, Argentina | Nantes, France | Tango Pasion, Broadway, NYC.
