Majo Martirena and Rodrigo Fonti’s journey together takes them into a constant study of the roles in tango and how to empower them. They seek a dance filled by sincerity and freshness, being present in every moment.
“We are passionate to show you ways in dance and connection with your partner so you can live unique and magical moments that we feel in tango. These are the moments that motivate us to keep dancing.”
Majo Martirena started dancing tango at 16 in her native country Uruguay. After a few years she was invited by Dana Frígoli to be a part of the teaching staff at the DNI Tango School. She worked there for six years, being a part of the team of teachers and dancers of the DNI Company. With the company she danced in the most important theatres and milongas of Argentina. She also worked and taught at La Viruta, teaching with the famous maestro Horacio ‘Pebete’ Godoy. After this period she worked for two years in various festivals in Europe and Asia with Pablo Rodriguez.
Majo was a member and founder of La Bicicleta tango school, in Torino, Italy, where she worked and trained teachers for two years, a school that is still standing. A few years ago she started a new project together with her partner, Rodrigo Fonti.
Rodrigo is a creative, innovative and passionate tango dancer born in southern Argentina. His modern milonguero spirit and his knowledge of contemporary dance gave freshness, speed and density to his style of dancing. Along with his insatiable passion as a teacher, this allowed him to teach and show his dance at tango festivals in cities across the world. He was also part of the tango theater companies ‘Kambras’, ‘No Bailarás’, El Sonido de la Caricias’ ‘Cram’, and ‘Sin Pecado Consebido’, with which he toured Europe.
His continuous technical study, search for possibilities of movement and exploration of the language of tango, led him to a unique blend of traditional and modern tango.
In his teaching, Rodrigo provides tools which help each student find a meaning to their movement. So that each student can find a style which is personal, comfortable, free and connected. Each student will learn to own their dance and to experience those unique and magical tango moments, which inspires us to continue dancing.
“I perform, I teach, I choreograph, I dance at milongas. Because I love Tango. I studied at the experimental contemporary dance in southern Argentina, then moved to Buenos Aires to breathe milongas. Now I travel the world, as a performer at tango festivals, or an artist in residence. Wherever I go, I give. People feel it and respond. Wherever I go, I teach. Not to dance like me, but to dance your tango, the best way you can. My style and I are still growing, we both explore, create, innovate. The journey has just started. There is so much Tango to come. Let’s discover together.”
Workshops
Friday 19:15-20:30
R&M1 Elements for Improvisation
We will dance through games and exercises, to increase our ability to listen to our partners. Changing roles. Musical proposals and fun!
Saturday 12:15-13:30
R&M2 With Music in Your Blood
Concepts and guidelines for interpreting the music in your own way. Recognise the musical phrasing of different singers and instruments, discover different qualities of movement stimulated by the musical style of orchestras.
Saturday 14:00-15:15
R&M3 Valsing in the Rain FULL
Giros and changes of direction. Vals cadence, musical interpretation and phrase endings.
Sunday 11:15-12:30
R&M4 Milonga Loca FULL
Combine milonga lisa with milonga traspié. Musicality, developing milonga theatricality.
Sunday 14:30-15:45
R&M5 ‘Simmering’, ‘In Slow Fire’
Suspensions, pauses and attack in movement.
The Sheffield Tango Festival 