The Town of Southbury, Connecticut has officially recognized Argentine Tango instructors and performers Dardo Galletto and Alonso Guzmán with the prestigious Southbury Artist of the Year Award. This formal recognition by the Town of Southbury — working in partnership with the Southbury Arts & Culture Alliance (SACA) — marks a landmark moment for the Argentine Tango community in Western Connecticut.
The official Artist of the Year recognition honors Dardo and Alonso’s sustained, transformative contributions to Southbury’s cultural life. Since establishing their Argentine Tango program in Southbury, they have built a thriving community of tango dancers, brought professional performances to local stages, and consistently invested their passion and expertise in enriching the town’s arts landscape.
The Town of Southbury’s recognition is particularly meaningful because it acknowledges tango not simply as a dance form, but as a genuine community art — one that brings people together, fosters human connection, and adds vitality to the cultural identity of Southbury. Dardo and Alonso have always believed that tango belongs to everyone, and this award reflects the community’s embrace of that vision.
Dardo Galletto brings decades of professional experience as a tango dancer, choreographer, and educator, with roots in Buenos Aires and an international performance career. Alonso Guzmán, his partner in both dance and teaching, shares that same commitment to authentic, soulful Argentine Tango. Together, they have made Southbury a destination for tango in Connecticut.
Argentine Tango classes with Dardo and Alonso are held weekly in Southbury, CT and Washington, CT. New students are always welcome — no prior dance experience or partner is needed. Join the community and experience firsthand why the Town of Southbury is proud to call Dardo Galletto and Alonso Guzmán its Artists of the Year.