Our Instructors.
We see our role as facilitators. Our job is to teach our students a set of principles that will free up their artistic potential, and help them to express themselves in a full and embodied way.
Emma Bogren |
Co-Founder & Instructor
Emma challenges her students to stay open, available and present throughout their tango journey. She thrives on helping students develop a deeper understanding of connection by demystifying the intangible aspects of the dance.
Born and raised in Sweden, Emma Bogren grew up in a family of artists and musicians. Always surrounded by music, she was first introduced to Tango through her grandfather’s old Tango records. Emma’s love for the arts and adventure eventually led her to Los Angeles where she was re-introduced to Tango. Today, after 7 years of running LA Tango Academy and introducing Tango to hundreds of curious minds, she feels like she’s only getting started on the most intriguing of journeys.
Q: How did you find Tango?
I have been in love with Tango music since childhood. Many years later, I was searching to reconnect with myself and decided to take a dance class. I actually thought I had signed up for flamenco, but when I walked into the class my heart skipped a beat as I recognized the tango music. This was the first time I realized I could dance to my grandfather’s records, and I was hooked.
Q: What excites you most about teaching Tango?
Tango is incredibly fair in that anyone can learn tango and become really good at it. If you really want to learn tango and you do the work, Tango will find its way. It’s incredible satisfying to witness people grow and excel in Tango.
Q: What is the best advice you have received in Tango?
Whether you lead or follow, always move your own body.
Richard Cepeda |
Co-Founder & Instructor
Richard is an explorer, driven by curiosity and a love for solving complex problems. He believes that forging a meaningful connection is fundamental to the teacher-student relationship. Richard’s superpower as a teacher is his ability to communicate complex ideas into simple concepts using self corrective exercises.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida - Richard fell in love with Argentine tango in college in 2007. After traveling the world to festivals and marathons and quickly becoming one of the most sought after social dancers in the country he settled in Los Angeles where he co-founded the L.A. Tango Academy. Founded in 2015, L.A. Tango Academy has become one of the most successful tango schools in the nation, introducing tango to hundreds of new people, many of which have gone onto become the most popular dancers, teachers and DJs in Los Angeles.
Q: How did you find Tango?
I discovered tango unexpectedly while walking on the University of Florida campus. I tried a lesson and was immediately enthralled by the community, the dance and the music. I quickly became addicted to learning and improving in this dance.
Q: What excites you most about teaching Tango?
It is incredibly energizing to help and guide people as they fall in love with the dance that I’ve been in love with for many years. It’s like sharing your favorite movie or song with someone, except that it lasts a lifetime.
Q: What is the best advice you have received in Tango?
Stand up straight.
Carolyn Attanucci |
Assistant & Online Instructor
Carolyn believes that tango creates one of the most honest circumstances for human connection. She is fascinated by how much information we can receive and communicate in the embrace, and understands that any sort of depth hinges on good mechanics. Carolyn encourages her students to view tango education as an ongoing practice versus a fixed destination.
Born and raised in Arizona, Carolyn grew up in a household of teachers. From an early age, she was encouraged to explore performance art, music, and dance. Carolyn had initially moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in academia— but fortunately— life (and tango!) would have other plans for her.
Q: How did you find Tango?
A friend invited me to check out her favorite Los Angeles milonga as she was preparing to move back to Argentina. For me, it was like stumbling into a dreamy time capsule. The sweeping music, the swirling dancers— I was captivated from the start!
Q: What excites you most about teaching Tango?
Tango can be a powerful catalyst for self-discovery. To witness big and small moments of expansion, to take part in that process… there are few things more inspiring in life than this..
Q: What is the best advice you have received in Tango?
Information does not serve you if you do not practice.