by Viva Wittman
As a child, Lia was put in ballet classes as a solution for her excess energy and to bestow in her a bel esprit, but tango always burned at the depth of her soul.
“It’s my nature,” she tells me. “I am of Spanish and Italian origin, and that is the quintessence of tango: stemming from these cultures and tied together with an African rhythm.” It was Juan Carlos Copes who gave her lessons in the dance form. Copes, who is widely celebrated for his contribution to the world revival of tango, was Lia’s teacher even after she moved to Paris, as she would continue to take class with him every chance she had to visit home. | A photo of Lia from her collection |
Before moving to Paris, Lia had a rich career in Argentina as a teacher of ballet, Spanish dance, Character dance, and French literature. Once having been installed at Centre de Danse du Marais, Lia was asked by Mme. Carrance (founder of CDM) to teach tango.
Lia tells me that until 1980, tango was not commonly discussed, but that year, tango became au courant in France. Lia’s classes began to attract a lot of attention and she became known for hosting prestigious guests like Julio Iglesias, Cecilia Bartoli, Laetitia Casta, and Julia Migenes among others.
Lia with Laetitia Casta
“Thanks to tango,” Lia says, “I live in Paris as if it were Buenos Aires.” Through her classes, Lia can pass on the technique, the culture, and the beauty of tango, and above all, the music. “The dance comes after,” she confides, “the music has a power over my students. It is the motor, the best vehicle to bring me back to my roots.” In addition to teaching tango for Milongas at CDM, Lia choreographs Theatrical Tango pieces for events such as The 75th Anniversary of AirFrance at the Grand Palais.
Lia tells me “some people come to the class for a sensory journey to Argentina...
"others come to find what they have seen in a show or film...
"and for others, it is simply the social aspect of the dance which attracts them.”
I certainly know why I like to come to tango: Lia teaches with a grace and elegance from a timeless dimension. There is an air of romance in the room and after some time in her presence, one feels that beauty is present everywhere. The light shines through the large windows, and the music fills us up, moving us to dance. |