Founder of TANGO REX.
His philosophy, way of life, and aesthetic sense have been admired by many.
His soul lives on eternally within TANGO REX.
Ricardo was born and raised in San Telmo in Buenos Aires, making him a genuine Porteño.
Back in the 1940s, a decade called the Golden Age of Tango, the rhythm and accents of tango music and its themes began to change – and Carlos Estevez and Salvador Ciana invented tango dance steps to fit that new tango music.
These two, known by their nicknames “Petroleo” and “Cacho Lavandina,” basically created many of the tango techniques that are still danced to this very day – Hiro, Boleo, and Gancho.
These two men who revolutionized tango had only a single disciple, Domingo Jose Pugliese (popularly known as Mingo) – the man who became Ricardo’s dancing master.
Ricardo spent many years as a disciple of Mingo and his wife, working as their assistant teacher.
Within Ricardo’s tango, we can see the roots planted in that long relationship with one of tango’s great masters.
In addition, Ricardo started acting at the age of 16, entering the Buenos Aires Acting School after he turned 18.
A few years later, Ricardo began his study of song and poetry, and was called upon by the government to enter a poetry contest.
Later, Ricardo worked as a radio personality for five years and was active as a television voice actor for two years.
Ricardo was the only person in the Asian tango world who is active is so many areas beyond tango itself – a true multi-artist.
In addition to his experiences as an active part of the tango communities in Buenos Aires, New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New Mexico, Ricardo also taught tango at Buenos Aires University and The University of New Mexico.
Ricardo’s 30-year long career in tango also saw him appear in Sally Potter’s film “The Tango Lesson” and serve as a judge for the Buenos Aires Tango Competition.
In 2001, Ricardo was invited to Japan, and by 2006 he had gone into business for himself, operating and teaching at his Argentine tango studio, Tango Rex.
Ricardo was beloved by many people, having shown the world the depth of his artistic sense and love of tango, but tragically, Ricardo passed away in 2018 after losing his battle with disease.
