Meet Rafa: Our First Guest Teacher of the Autumn Season
You know a true tango nerd when you see one
You know a true tango nerd when you see one. Someone who explores every detail with curiosity and precision, not to make things complicated, but to truly understand them. When Rafa first came to Maldito Tango, it quickly became clear that he was that kind of dancer and teacher.
He dives into the details of tango with a level of dedication that sparks curiosity and inspires students to keep learning. At the same time, it is easy to see how much he enjoys teaching and exploring the possibilities of the dance together with his students.
Rafa's classes are filled with focus, enthusiasm, and a warm teaching style that gives dancers at all levels the tools to grow. It is this combination that quickly made his workshops highly appreciated and well attended at Maldito Tango.
From Break Dance to Tango: A Lifelong Journey Through Movement
Rafael's journey in dance began at the age of eight, when he discovered the energy and freedom of break dance. A few years later, around the age of fifteen, he immersed himself in the worlds of classical ballet and contemporary dance, exploring movement, technique, and expression from different perspectives. At seventeen, he found ballroom dance and, soon after, the intimate and profound world of embrace dances, especially Argentine tango.
Tango quickly became more than just a dance for Rafael; it became a way of understanding connection, movement, and communication between people. After falling deeply in love with tango, he chose to dedicate himself fully to this art form, continuing his exploration through years of study with some of the most influential teachers in the tango world.
Since 2002, he has had the opportunity to learn from masters such as Gustavo Naveira and Giselle Anne, Chicho and his partners Eugenia Parrilla and Juana Sepulveda, Fabian Salas and his partners, Julio Balmaceda and Corina de la Rosa, Sebastian Arce and Mariana Montes, Pablo Verón, and Moira Castellano.
Sharing Knowledge Around the World
At the age of twenty-two, Rafael began sharing his knowledge as a teacher. Since then, dance has taken him around the world, allowing him to meet countless dancers, cultures, and communities. Drawing on his ability to speak several languages, he has taught group classes, private lessons, and workshops across Europe, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, Asia, Oceania, the United States, and Canada, both with partners and as a solo teacher.
Beyond Steps: Understanding the Principles of Dance
For Rafael, learning to dance is not about memorizing steps or copying movements. It is about developing awareness, understanding the body, and finding one's own expression. His teaching focuses on posture, balance, musicality, fluid energy, and the connection created through the embrace.
He believes that a deeper understanding of the principles behind the dance allows each dancer to grow in a more natural and authentic way.
Exploring the Body: Science, Awareness, and Movement
Alongside his work as a teacher, Rafael has continuously explored different approaches to movement and the body. He has studied Alexander Technique, Rolfing, Feldenkrais, and the Franklin Method, while also dedicating time to the study of dance history, anatomy, biomechanics, and the relationship between body and movement.
His background in martial arts has also influenced his unique approach, helping him create classes that encourage a healthier, more conscious, and efficient use of the body.
Since 2012, Rafael has been traveling regularly through Asia, Oceania, North America, Europe, and the Middle East, sharing tango through workshops, private classes, and DJing at milongas, marathons, and festivals. He also continues to visit South America and Africa, bringing his perspective and passion to new communities around the world.
Throughout his journey, dance has taken Rafael to more than 100 countries and over 150 cities. More than the number of places he has visited, what defines his path is the connection he has created with thousands of dancers who share the same love for tango, movement, and human connection.
Take Your Social Dancing Further with Rafa
This autumn, Rafa returns to Maldito Tango for three workshops designed to inspire and strengthen your social dancing. Each workshop will explore a different theme, focusing on practical tools you can immediately bring with you to the dance floor.
Expect detailed guidance, new perspectives, and the kind of tango nerdiness that makes you curious to explore more. We look forward to welcoming you for three evenings of learning, connection, and tango with Rafa!
Dates:
- 18 August – Workshop theme: Giros and sacadas in both directions. In this class we will work on performing a complete giro, regulating the distance, the embrace, and the posture, in order to perform sacadas with it.
- 1 Sept– Workshop theme: TBA
- 27/ Oct – Workshop theme: TBA
Time: 18.30-19.30