Friday, Jan. 16, 10am
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
This presentation by Dr. Wendy Balconi will focus on the music of Argentine tango as both the foundation and inspiration for the dance. The music truly is the magic elixir of the dance itself, and music will take center stage in our presentation.
We will highlight the work of legendary Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla whose revolutionary tango compositions helped shape the genre. We will explore the role of the bandoneón, the expressive, melancholy instrument that is synonymous with tango music. In addition, we’ll explore the cultural and historical roots of tango, including how social conditions and diverse musical traditions came together to shape its evolution.
This presentation will also emphasize how the improvisational nature of tango dancing and co-created experiences, rooted deeply through interpreting the music, supports:
- Cognitive flexibility and neuroplasticity
- Body awareness, balance, and functional mobility
- Emotional resilience and adaptability across the lifespan
To further enhance the program, live Argentine tango music will be performed by guitarist Marc Adams, offering attendees a dynamic and engaging musical experience.
This presentation offers a rich interdisciplinary experience, blending music appreciation, cultural history, and wellness in aging—all within the spirit of lifelong learning and community-building.
Getting Here
Community Room at Arizona Musicfest
7950 E Thompson Peak Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Directions
7950 E Thompson Peak Pkwy
7950 E Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, USA
Instructors
Marc Adams
Marc Adams, LMSW, MBA is co-founder of Creative-Depth, an organization
dedicated to bringing more insight, purpose, and meaning to the clinical setting
through both the demonstration and practical application of depth psychological
concepts. As a licensed clinical social worker in private practice, Marc specializes in
existential counseling with a Jungian approach. Marc’s professional journey has
included working in the volatile banking industry for over 28 years before acquiring a
psychotherapy license. He also dedicated years to learning guitar concentrating on
Flamenco, dancing focused on Argentine tango, and intensive study abroad
programs to gain fluency in multiple languages. One key element that has remained
constant throughout the years has been a magnetic attraction to inner work and,
ultimately, the desire to partner with others in facilitating their journey to experience
new perspectives and new ways of being
Dr. Wendy Balconi
Wendy Balconi, Ph.D., LCSW is co-founder of Creative-Depth, an organization
dedicated to bringing more depth to the clinical setting. Wendy holds a master’s
degree in clinical social work, and a Ph.D. in Depth Psychology from Pacifica
Graduate Institute. Through her many years of practice Wendy has developed a
profound admiration and respect for the unconscious and as a depth psychologist she
currently holds a private practice in Scottsdale, Arizona. Wendy first discovered a
relationship to the unconscious as a commercial artist and has particular interest in
those involved in the creative arts. As a depth psychologist with a strong background
in the Arts Wendy continues to actively create through writing, painting, collage,
sculpture, active imagination, dream work and Argentine Tango. Her dissertation
entitled Solvitur Ambulando: An Embodied Experience of Argentine Tango explored
habitual patterns of relating from a depth psychological perspective.