EVENT DESCRIPTION
APRIL 18 - 20, 2025 Boise, Idaho
Boise is extremely thankful to be hosting world-renowned Argentine tango artists Majo Martirena and Rodrigo Fonti for a weekend of workshops and dancing. Don't miss your chance to learn from these two in a close, intimate classroom setting!
For more info on Majo and Rodrigo, please see the entries below the event description.
Workshop descriptions, venue locations, and some DJs are TBD. Check back frequently for changes!
REGISTRATION
Tango Boise is a registered non-profit organization. Members receive a discount on full workshop passes and a la carte milongas. No member discount for a la carte workshops. Becoming a Tango Boise member is easy; register here:
https://www.tangoboise.com/membership
Workshop Weekend Full Pass
Includes 5 workshops and 3 milongas
$185 Regular, $165 Tango Boise Member
A La Carte
Workshops will be $35 a la carte, paid for at the door. A la carte options are not guaranteed if the workshops are at capacity. All milongas will be a la carte, with no capacity limit: Friday $15, Saturday $20, Sunday $10
SCHEDULE
Unless otherwise noted, location is
Onyx Dance Studio
5591 W Overland Rd, Boise, ID 83705
Friday 4/18
7:00 - 8:30 PM Workshop 1 - Close Embrace
How to create space in close embrace, ochos and spiral movement in super close embrace.
8:30 - 12:00 AM Milonga, DJ TBD
Saturday 4/19
1:00 - 2:30 PM Workshop 2 - To run, you must first learn to walk...
Experiments in different qualities in the walk, density and fluidity, oppositions in the embrace.
3:00 - 4:30 PM Workshop 3 - Who said boleos are prohibited?
Boleo technique in different rhythms, how to lead them and put them into music, respecting anticipation, musical accents, place, and space.
Dinner Break
8:00 - 1:00 AM Grand Milonga, DJ Tommy Smith with performances by Majo and Rodrigo at 11
Sunday 4/20
1:00 - 2:30 PM Workshop 4 - With the music in the blood
Concepts and guidelines to interpret the music as we want. Recognizing the musical phrasing of different singers and instruments, discovering different qualities of movement stimulated by the musical style of orchestras.
3:00 - 4:30 PM Workshop 5 - Killer sacadas
Combinations of sacadas for each role
Dinner Break
7:30 - 8:30 PM [@Solid Grill and Bar] Workshop Review (Guided by Tommy Smith)
8:30 - 11:00 PM [@Solid Grill and Bar] Milonga, DJ Lucia Petkovic
About Majo and Rodrigo
Performances:
Krakus Aires Tango Festival: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KP_UbC9kD9Y
Cachivache Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw5fICkDz1U
Maria Jose Martirena Arena, also known as Majo Martirena, and Rodrigo Anibal Fuentes, also known as Rodrigo Fonti, are esteemed tango dancers and instructors with a global reputation. They are celebrated for pushing the boundaries of modern tango, showcasing its expressive capacity through their performances. Their movement quality and the authenticity of their dance philosophy stand out; they advocate for tango as a dynamic conversation between partners and between the dancers and the music.
Their approach, rooted in pure improvisation, brings a thrilling unpredictability to each performance, making every moment uniquely compelling. Since uniting their talents in 2015, Majo and Rodrigo have graced the stages at numerous prestigious tango festivals and taught at several tango academies worldwide. Their artistry is ever-evolving, driven by continuous research, experimentation, and the desire to convey their process of artistic discovery. Renowned for empowering their students to develop a personalized dance style, they focus on creativity rather than imitation.
Remarkable collaborations with leading tango productions and orchestras across the globe have marked Majo and Rodrigo's artistic journey. Their performances have seamlessly integrated with the sounds of traditional and avant-garde ensembles, showcasing their ability to traverse the broad musical landscape of tango. This versatility highlights their profound connection with the music and commitment to exploring the full spectrum of tango's expressive potential.
Beyond the artistic and performative aspects, Majo and Rodrigo are passionate advocates for the holistic benefits of tango. They firmly believe in the dance's capacity to heal and transform, considering it a potent tool for psychological, physical, and emotional wellness. Through their teaching and performances, they emphasize how tango can foster a deeper connection with oneself and with others, promote mindfulness, and facilitate emotional release. The physical benefits of tango, including improved posture, balance, and flexibility, are matched by its ability to reduce stress, enhance mood, and build social connections.
By championing these multifaceted benefits, Majo and Rodrigo position tango as much more than a form of entertainment. They see it as a pathway to personal well-being, a practice that nurtures the body, soothes the mind, and enriches the soul. Their dedication to this art form illuminates its potential to delight and captivate audiences and contribute significantly to the quality of people's lives, offering a holistic experience that transcends the dance floor.