Dancers at studio in Utica win 2 national dance categories

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A dance studio in downtown Utica had two dancers win two national dance categories April 6-9 at the Argentine Tango USA Official Championship & Festival in San Jose, California.

Amanda Accica, owner of Argentine Tango Detroit and one of the studio’s instructors, and Donato Juarez, an instructor at Argentine Tango Detroit, are now USA Champions of Argentine Tango and Milonga. They will be representing the USA in Argentina in August 2023.

“I am one from the lot who likes challenges,” Accica said in an email interview. “Competitions, ultimately, motivate us to do our best and compete at a higher level. I have danced and been a part of the Latin dance styles all of my life since my mother, Lori Burton, was also a dance instructor. I have participated in various competitions, exhibitions and taught workshops while running our family dance studio Argentine Tango Detroit, (established) in 2000, located in Downtown Utica. I also have had the honor of winning USA Stage Tango in 2016 and Argentine Tango Vals in 2021, and now Argentine Tango De Pista (Social Tango) and Milonga of 2023,” she said.

ATUSA is the only official entity to award titles and to send the official United States representatives to compete in the semifinal rounds of the Tango Buenos Aires Dance World Cup every August.

“I feel very fortunate to have the support of family, students and friends who have cheered us on and supported our studio in many ways,” Accica said. “Now, Donato Juarez and I will represent the USA at the international level and pay tribute to the social and cultural aspects of Tango in the USA with hopes to bring the utmost name and fame to our country.”

Juarez, a tango dancer for more than 20 years, said that taking things step by step is what led them and will lead them to great moments and memorable experiences.

He said that he and Accica are very happy and grateful for their most recent achievements.

“I am thankful for all the support of every individual that has passed through our journey to be where we are today,” Juarez said by email. “Returning to my homeland, Argentina, will be a magical experience for me,” he said via email.