Condrò, Sicily
August, 3-7 2026
Balance • Structure • Connection
under the Sicilian sky.
Limited to 20 participants
Condrò in Danza
Tango Intensive
Supported by Sandsilk
Click to meet the team
Steven Melendez
Steven Melendez was introduced to Argentine Tango as a form of physical therapy after an injury ended his international performing career as a classical ballet dancer. Today, he translates the principles of ballet into tools for Tangueros: clarity of form, balance, weight transfer, control of momentum, strength, and body awareness to open new possibilities for precision, stability and freedom in Tango.
Olga Berg
Olga Berg has been dancing Argentine Tango for nearly thirty years, beginning with Carlos Gavito and continuing her studies in Argentina, Europe, and the United States. Drawing on a lifelong interest in communication, mindfulness, self-inquiry, and six years of Gyrokinesis practice, she approaches tango as a moving meditation and a pathway to authentic connection. Her teaching focuses on musicality, embrace, flow, energetic presence, and detailed feedback that helps both leaders and followers develop greater awareness, freedom, and expression in dance.
Elisabetta Minutoli
Elisabetta Minutoli is a movement educator, choreographer, and certified Gyrokinesis trainer based in New York City. With more than twenty years of teaching experience across Europe and the United States, her work bridges ballet, contemporary dance, and restorative movement practices. Elisabetta is a certified Gyrotonic Pre-Trainer leading teacher trainings and movement education programs. Her approach emphasizes spinal mobility, breath, coordination, and efficient movement patterns that support both dancers and everyday bodies. She maintains an active career as a freelance choreographer and dance teacher at Peridance Center in New York City.
Renata Sheppard
Renata Sheppard is a dancer, visual artist, educator and dance film specialist. She is the artistic director and founder of the award-winning artist residency Films that Move, she has produced and advised the creation of over 160 dance films. Born in Italy and raised in the United States, she has lived and worked in the US, Europe, and Asia as a Fulbright Scholar, Henry Luce Scholar, Kate Neal Kinley Fellow, and US Embassy grantee. Her artistic practice fuses kinetic drawings and unique site specific choreographic installations with paper, the body and light. She also works with Global Cinematic Society under the direction of Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker David Darg.
Logistics + Details
Condrò is a small hill town in northeastern Sicily, tucked between the mountains and the sea just outside Messina. Quiet streets, old stone architecture, sweeping views, and a slower rhythm of life give the town an atmosphere that feels deeply local and untouched by mass tourism. Its location makes it easy to explore both the Sicilian coastline and nearby historic villages, while still offering the feeling of discovering a hidden corner of Italy.
Lodging and transportation are not included in this program and Condrò sits off the main routes in Sicily. House sharing and ride sharing can be organized through the WhatsApp group.
Meals are not included in this program, however a communal dinner reservation will be made each evening through the WhatsApp group at a local Sicilian cuisine restaurant.
Evening classes and practicas may be held outdoors at piazzas throughout the village under the evening sky. Daytime classes will be held indoors in a fully air-conditioned studio.
| Date | Programa |
|---|---|
| Monday, August 3 | 10:00 – 10:40 Gyrokinesis 18:00 – 19:15 Ballet for Tango ~ Dinner Break ~ 21:00 – 22:00 “Traveling Through Space“ 22:00 Practica Continues |
| Tuesday, August 4 | 10:00 – 10:40 Gyrokinesis 18:00 – 19:15 Ballet for Tango ~ Dinner Break ~ 21:00 – 22:00 “The Cross“ 22:00 Practica Continues |
| Wednesday, August 5 | 10:00 – 10:40 Gyrokinesis 18:00 – 19:15 Ballet for Tango ~ Dinner Break ~ 21:00 – 22:00 “Connections“ 22:00 Practica Continues |
| Thursday, August 6 | 10:00 – 10:40 Gyrokinesis 18:00 – 19:15 Ballet for Tango ~ Dinner Break ~ 21:00 – 22:00 “Fun Rhythms“ 22:00 Practica Continues |
| Friday, August 7 | 10:00 – 10:40 Gyrokinesis 18:00 – 19:15 Ballet for Tango |
Class Descriptions:
Gyrokinesis develops mobility, balance, breath, and core control through fluid, spiraling movement. For tango dancers, it supports posture, coordination, spinal articulation, and greater freedom of movement.
Ballet for Tango classes begin with a ballet barre focused on alignment, balance, and strength, then transition into solo technique for tango dancers emphasizing pivots, weight transfers, and dynamic control. Adapting classical ballet for tango offers practical technical concepts that immediately improve stability, and confidence in social dancing.
Traveling Through Space breaks down the most basic element of tango, the walk. We break down the three ways to execute the projection, the weight transfer, and the collection.
The Cross affects balance, disassociation, line, and navigation. We break down the four crosses, how to lead them, and where to use them.
Connections create authentic presence and an energetic embrace with space and safety. Listen to your partner and the music.
Fun Rhythms; down-beats, up-beats, off-beats, syncopations, and anticipation all combine to revive a stale tanda.