2012 - Stockton Folk Dance Camp

FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES
George and Irina Arabagi (Ukrainian & Moldavian)
George and Irina Arabagi are graduates with honors of the Choreographic College in Kiev,
Ukraine, and former principal dancers with the Moldavian State Academic Dance Company, Joc, which
has toured more than 25 countries around the world. During their time in Joc, George was awarded the
title of “People’s Artist” and Irina “Merited Artist of
Moldova.”
In 1999, George and Irina settled in
Sacramento, California. Shortly after that, they became
the directors and choreographers of the local Ukrainian
children’s ensemble, Sonechko, which in 2006 merged
with the adult Ukrainian group, Kalyna, keeping the
latter name.
In March 2011, George and Irina taught at the Camellia
International Dance Festival in Sacramento and they
were featured again a year later. This is their first
appearance at Stockton camp.
Pampa Cortés (Argentine Tango)
Pampa Cortés hails from Santiago del Estero, Argentina. At age 15, he embarked on a
professional career that has spanned five decades.
Cortés initially studied and performed with master folk dancers. With his own company Ballet
Pampa, he was invited to present in the most prestigious folkloric festival in Argentina. Pampa danced
for six years in the tango Ballet of Juan Carlos Copes, achieving the post of assistant choreographer and
captain. He directed the folkloric and tango company of Argentine TV’s “Grandes Valores del Tango”
and performed in the best houses in Buenos Aires, working alongside the
biggest names in Argentine tango dance and music.
Cortés has performed and taught in the US, Canada, Western Europe,
Japan, and in several Central and South American countries. He came to the
United States as choreographer with the international tour of “Tango Revue.”
He toured the US for more than two years with the stage hit “Forever Tango.”
He settled in San Francisco, CA, founded his production company Tango A
Media Luz and produced several stage shows.
Pampa Cortés’ clean footwork and elegant masculinity have inspired
thousands. His presence in the international press, his extensive work for
Japanese TV, his photos in tango books and on CD covers, including his photo
on the back cover of the hit CD “Tango” by Julio Iglesias, have made him
recognizable by millions. His long, prosperous career and large body of artistic work confirm Pampa
Cortés as a dance legend.
STOCKTON FOLK DANCE CAMP – 2012 – FINAL – 08/07/2012