13:05 – 13:50

Session 1
KEY NOTE

Dr. Julia F. Christensen
IS DANCING THE BEST MEDICINE?
Regular dance practice has been associated with high levels of mental and physical health and wellbeing. However, newest evidence associates some aspects of dance practices with ill-health outcomes. Dancing isn’t good for us regardless. How is that possible and what can we do to obtain those much-lauded positive effects? In Julia’s new book The Pathway To Flow she strolls through the science that shows that it is all about how we use a behaviour like dancing that determines whether it’s good for us or not. In this talk she will share an overview of her findings.

This session will be streamed, but not recorded.

Saal

14:05 – 14:50

Session 2A
WORKSHOP

Dr. Kacey Link
MUSIC AND HEALING
In this session, we will delve into the profound relationship between music and healing. Drawing on her work with tango, music education, and music outreach, Kacey will explore how music can serve as a powerful therapeutic tool, enhancing emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

This session will be streamed, but not recorded.

Saal

14:05 – 14:50

Session 2B
WORKSHOP

Matthias Renzel
CRANIO SACRAL THERAPY AND ARGENTINE TANGO
The transformative nature of mindful touch
In this session Matthias will talk about using mindful touch to allow a somatic emotional release. You will learn about the basics of Cranio Sacral Therapy technique and how it can be applied to Argentine tango.

Spiegelraum

15:15 – 16:00

Session 3
KEY NOTE

PD Dr. Med. Friedemann Schad
DANCE & PHYSICAL HEALTH
Everyone knows that to move is to be healthy, and this includes dancing. But what can science tell us about it? Exercise and dance can be beneficial for dealing with many illnesses. In this talk we will look at various studies and practical cases, trying to answer the question: what makes dancing so special?

Saal

16:15 – 17:00

Session 4
PART I
WORKSHOP

Sayaka Higuchi & Joscha Engel
IMPORTANCE OF TRUST IN ARGENTINE TANGO CONNECTION
In the first part of the double-session Sayaka and Joscha will present their understanding of the meaning and the importance of trust in tango. If we fully propose ourselves to a mutual exchange of energies, tango has the potential to be a subtle and deeply touching communication process, in which both partners are mutually contributing.

Saal

17:05 – 17:50

Session 4
PART II
WORKSHOP

Sayaka Higuchi & Joscha Engel
IMPORTANCE OF TRUST IN ARGENTINE TANGO CONNECTION
In the second part of the double-session Sayaka and Joscha invite us to experience tango first-hand. We will feel into the role of the proposer and the interpreter. With a trusting connection we can enjoy shared emotions, get inspiration and learn to express and communicate through the embrace and the dance we share. We move in connection and let the connection move us. Our encounter becomes an improvisation, fueled by emotions.

Saal

10:00 – 10:45

Session 5A
BODYWORK

Andrew Wass
CONTACT IMPROVISATION: A BEGINNING
In this workshop, we will look at two fundamental principles of Contact Improvisation and the reciprocal generative relationships between dance partners they generate. One principle, Core/Floor/Contact deals with spatial relationship of an individual’s physical core, the contact with the floor, and the partner. The second principle, Self/Other/Nothing deals with movement initiation and an individual’s intention.

Saal

10:00 – 10:45

Session 5B
BODYWORK

Almut Knauß
YOGA PRACTICE
Nourishing body, mind and spirit
Yoga has proven to be an effective way to improve physical and mental health. Yoga involves linking breath and movement to become more present in body and mind. In this session we will dive deep into the breath and body to increase awareness and start the day awake and relaxed.

If you participate in this yoga practice, please make sure you have comfortable clothes with you and can practice barefoot.

Spiegelraum

11:00 – 11:45

Session 6
KEY NOTE

Dr. Ayşe Bombacı
MENTAL HEALTH & TRAUMA
Trauma has a profound effect on our physical and mental health. Trauma is not just a past event, but a lived experience that affects our present reality and goes beyond single catastrophic events that disrupt our innate sense of safety, connectedness, and belonging. Adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, and abandonment are relational traumas that affect our mental health and influence how we respond to the world. Dr. Bombaci emphasizes the mind-body connection and how unresolved trauma can manifest in physical illness, chronic pain and mental illness. The body as a repository of emotional memories is key to the healing process.

Saal

12:00 – 12:45

Session 7
SCIENCE TALK

Dr. Ayşe Bombacı
TEACHING MOVEMENT WITH A TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH AND POLYVAGAL THEORY
Many people have experienced various forms of trauma that affect their engagement with traditional teaching methods. Polyvagal Theory provides a profound framework for understanding trauma and its effects on the body and mind. We can integrate this theory into our educational movement practices to help people develop a deeper awareness of their physiological responses to stress and trauma. Through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, co-regulation is described as “the biological imperative to be connected to others in order to survive.” Dr. Bombaci emphasizes the importance of a trauma-informed approach based on Polyvagal Theory in the context of working with people to create safety and connection.

Saal

14:00 – 14:45

Session 8A
WORKSHOP

Rudolf Giglberger
GYROKINESIS: MOVEMENTS FOR A FREE-FLOWING AND HEALTHY SPINE
GYROKINESIS®️ is a movement system that releases blockages, especially in the spine, to achieve comprehensive freedom of movement. The natural movements of the spine are smoothly and fluidly connected, and the body is moved in circular and spiral motions. All movements are accompanied by rhythmic breathing patterns, renewing the oxygen content in the blood.

Saal

14:00 – 14:45

Session 8B
WORKSHOP

Carlo Carcano
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF CIRCLE GATHERINGS
An inspiration for the tango community
In this participatory workshop Carlo shares his experience with men’s circles and mixed genders circles. Circles are powerful non-hierarchical spaces where a deep sense of unity is accessed, through processes of building shared agreements, self responsibility, vulnerable authenticity and deep listening. We will explore the ways in which these ancient and “sacred” practices can translate into tango culture.

Spiegelraum

15:00 – 15:45

Session 9A
WORKSHOP

Audrey Cremoux
EMPOWERING TANGO STUDENTS
Trust, Responsibility, Growth
In this workshop we will focus on empowering tango students through trust, responsibility, and growth. Learn how to trust your students as a teacher and guide them towards taking ownership of their learning process. Discover coaching strategies that encourage trust, responsibility, and growth in the tango learning journey.

Saal

15:00 – 15:45

Session 9B
WORKSHOP

Kristina McFadden
THE RELATIONAL ARC OF TANGO
Embodied polarity for deeper leadership and surrender
Tango always has a constant interplay of listening and responding between partners. Yet in its charged form, there are distinctions of leadership and surrender, regardless of gender or sexuality. In this interactive class, we explore our range of connection, our shadow and our light, towards integrated ideas of how we truly want to “be” in tango, and perhaps, in life.

This session will be touch based. We expect maturity and sensitivity towards the physical and emotional capacities of yourself and others, and we will also work with consent and communication throughout. Not recommended if you are dealing with distressing mental health issues.

Spiegelraum

16:15 – 17:00

Session 10
KEY NOTE

Peter Bostelmann
SUPPORTING A HEALTHY EMPLOYEE CULTURE

Lessons learned in 10+ years of SAP Global Mindfulness Practice
Peter will share key insights from his journey in integrating mindfulness at SAP, from grassroots to a global corporate program. He’ll address strategies for convincing skeptics and building a community of mindfulness teachers within the organization. Drawing from over 10 years of experience, Peter will emphasize the measurable impact of mindfulness on fostering a culture of resilience and well-being among employees.

Saal

17:15 – 18:00

Session 11A
WORKSHOP

Peter Bostelmann
DEMYSTIFYING MINDFULNESS
Cultivating a healthier relationship with yourself and others
Explore key mindfulness concepts and engage in experiential activities, including reflection micro practices, to deepen self-awareness and enhance your relationships. Leave with practical tools to navigate life with greater clarity, compassion, and resilience.

Saal

17:15 – 18:00

Session 11B
WORKSHOP

Audrey Cremoux
ELEVATING SELF-ESTEEM
Discover the transformative blend of tango and theater. Explore how acting exercises can boost self-confidence and body comfort while enhancing listening and partner awareness, focusing on building confidence and connection with your dance partner.

Spiegelraum

10:00 – 10:45

Session 12
DISCUSSION

CONFERENCE SUMMARY & PODIUM DISCUSSION
Moderated by Stefan Knauß
What does it mean to approach tango holistically? What does “holistic” mean in the various health, movement and dance disciplines? What does science have to say about holistic approaches? Several of our speakers and organisers will be involved in this discussion.

Saal

11:00 – 11:45

Session 13
WORKSHOP

Kristina McFadden & Carlo Carcano
BETWEEN TWO AND ONE
Embracing the paradox of tango
A closing collective ritual around duality and unity in tango, reconciling individual desires and shared responsibilities.

Saal

12:15 – 13:00

Session 14
EXCHANGE

EXCHANGE & CONFERENCE CLOSING
Moderated by Thomas Rieser

Saal