Monica Caivano

Argentine Tango Instructor, Choreographer & Performer

When Monica was 5 years old, she already knew what she would do: "Quiero trabajar en el teatro y ser un payaso!" "I want to work at a theatre and become a clown!" In her late 20's, Monica is now living her dream — and she has a lot of years yet to come!

It was as a teenager in Buenos Aires that Monica discovered her passion for tango. Already studying theatre, dance and mime, she wandered into a tango class— and has been immersed ever since. An accomplished leader and follower, Monica has spent years polishing her skills in the milongas of Buenos Aires. Recently, she has worked and trained in dance communities from New York to Seattle. Monica's tango mentors include such renowned teachers as Nito & Elba, Carolina & Diego, Julio & Corina, and Daniel Oviedo among many others.

Monica began teaching tango in 1997, in Austin, Texas. Her love for the dance, the music and the culture of tango comes across in the enthusiasm and accessibility she offers her students. Above all, Monica seeks through her teaching to get people "out in the street" dancing socially. Her strengths lie in conveying both the technique and the passion of tango.

Beyond her roles as performer and teacher, Monica created, choreographed and directed, with Aztlan Dance Company (AZD), the only full-length tango shows that have been produced locally in Austin: "The Tango Project" (2001) and "The Tango Hideaway" (2002). Aside from AZD, Monica's affiliations include Footworks Dance Center, the Dougherty Arts School, Zachary Scott Theatre, and Proyecto Teatro. She graduated from St. Edwards University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts.

Monica currently teaches with Footworks Dance Center and independently as well. She also organizes tango events (milongas) and performs in the world of theatre and dance. For more info go to www.monitango.com