Program

Below you will find the conference program in detail. Some of the slots are still in process of being filled, so check in with us from time to time or subscribe to our Newsletter.

All the conference talks and workshops will be given and moderated in English.

Friday 6th of Sept ’24


12:00 – 13:00

Registration Desk Open & Coffee Time

Saal

13:00 – 13:05

OPENING TALK

Saal

13:05 – 13:50

Session 1
KEY NOTE

DANCE & PHYSICAL HEALTH
More information about this key note coming soon!

Saal

13:50 – 14:05

BREAK

14:05 – 14:50

Session 2A
WORKSHOP

Olivia Foster Vander Elst
INTERPERSONAL CONNECTION IN PARTNER DANCE
In this session Olivia will present an overview of the neuroscience of dance, including the difficulties associated with researching what happens in the brain during dance. She will talk about her own latest findings, obtained using both neuroscience and motion capture, related to Salsa and Tango, and how we can go about researching something as intangible (but obviously present!) as the connection between dancers.

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

14:50 – 15:15

BREAK

15:15 – 16:00

Session 3
SCIENCE TALK

Pd Dr. Med. Friedemann Schad
DANCE & PHYSICAL HEALTH
More detailed information coming soon!

Saal

16:00 – 16:15

BREAK

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

17:00 – 17:05

BREAK

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

Saturday 7th of Sept ’24


09:30 – 10:00

Morning Coffee Time

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

10:45 – 11:00

BREAK

11:00 – 11:45

Session 6
KEY NOTE

Dr. Ayşe Bombacı
MENTAL HEALTH & TRAUMA
In this key note session Dr. Ayşe Bombacı will introduce the topic of mental health and specifically the effects of trauma. More detailed information coming soon!

Saal

11:45 – 12:00

BREAK

12:00 – 12:45

Session 7A
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

12:00 – 12:45

Session 7B
SCIENCE TALK

Dr. Ayşe Bombacı
TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH IN TEACHING DANCE
In this workshop Dr. Ayşe Bombacı will go deeper into what it means to apply a trauma-informed approach as a tango teacher, a dance or a bodywork practitioner. More detailed information coming soon!

Spiegelraum

12:45 – 14:00

LUNCH BREAK

14:00 – 14:45

Session 8A
WORKSHOP

Carmen Cordiviola
CHALLENGING PERSPECTIVES IN LEADERSHIP
In this workshop Carmen will share her experience as women’s leadership coach, interwoven with her experience as a social tango dancer. More information coming soon!

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

14:45 – 15:00

BREAK

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

15:45 – 16:15

BREAK

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

17:00 – 17:15

BREAK

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

18:00 – 19:00

APERO TALK
Discussions, networking, exchanging ideas

Saal


Sunday 8th of Sept ’24


09:30 – 10:00

Morning Coffee Time

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 will be involved in this panel.

Saal

10:45 – 11:00

BREAK

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

11:45 – 12:15

LUNCH BREAK

12:15 – 13:00

Session 14
EXCHANGE

EXCHANGE & CONFERENCE CLOSING
Moderated by Thomas Rieser

Saal