Tango Brigante — Masters of Villa Urquiza Tradition from Buenos Aires
Luciano Brigante and Alejandra Orozco bring decades of authentic tango expertise directly from Buenos Aires to Reykjavík’s anniversary celebration. As World Tango Salon Sub-Champions and Olympic Games choreographers, they represent the pinnacle of mastery in Villa Urquiza style. Their teaching emphasises traditional close-embrace technique, musical interpretation, and milonguero codes, inspiring dancers worldwide with their elegant style, refined embrace, and passionate commitment to preserving the essence of tango’s golden age.
Workshop Schedule
FRIDAY 6–7.30
Understanding Roles in the Couple
• Deep Dive into Leader and Follower Roles
• Connection and Embrace Techniques
• Body Awareness and Language
2. SATURDAY 10–11.30
Elegant Turns and Enrosques
• Turns with Enrosques for Men and Women
• Giros from Villa Urquiza and Tango Salon Styles
• Half Turns and Direction Changes
3. SATURDAY 12–13.30
Musical Interpretation and Expression
• Syncopation and Rhythmic Variations
• Musicality Lessons for Different Orchestras
• Dynamic Movement and Expression
4. SUNDAY 10–11.30
Sequences for Vals and Milonga
• Turns for Vals
• Sequences Specific to Vals
• Milonga flow
• Rueda de Milonga: Group Interaction and Fun
5. SUNDAY 12–13.30
Smooth Tango: Mastering Lightness and Elegance
• Steps for Elegant Navigation
• Correcting Style and Technique
• Expressive Movement from Technique to Freedom
Our Tango DJs: The Musical Architects of Milonga Magic
TDJ Sóley is a community-focused DJ bringing a welcoming atmosphere to Monday milongas, embodying a collaborative spirit that has sustained Iceland’s intimate tango scene.
TDJ Helgi G is a nurturing DJ known for introducing newcomers to tango, creating inclusive environments where dancers explore passionate embrace and connection.
DJ Hlynur “El Arce” Helgason is one of Iceland’s most experienced tango DJs with 100+ milongas, master of golden age sound using professional-grade equipment and authentic selections.
TDJ Þórður is a dedicated contributor to Tangófélagið’s programming, supporting an authentic tango atmosphere through carefully curated selections and a collaborative community approach.
Our Orchestras: Live Music Magic
Hljómsveitin Mandólín – Iceland’s Premier Tango Ensemble
The band Mandólín plays world music from here, there and everywhere, such as Argentinian tangos, klezmer, Icelandic classics, dances from the Faroe islands and much more.
The band consists of Ástvaldur Traustason and Sigríður Ásta Árnadóttir playing the accordion, Guðrún Árnadóttir and Elísabet Indra Ragnarsdóttir on the violin, Óskar Sturluson playing guitar and bouzouki, Martin Kollmar on the clarinet and Bjarni Bragi Kjartansson on the contrabass. All members of this wonderful band share the singing.
Tangóhljómsveit Bergljótar Arnalds – Fresh Vision for Icelandic Tango
Tangóhljómsveit Bergljótar Arnalds brings innovative energy to Iceland’s tango scene, led by the creative vision of acclaimed actress and tango aficionado Bergljót Arnalds. This newly formed orchestra combines classic Argentine tango rhythms with Icelandic musical sensitivity, creating heartfelt performances that blend traditional passion with Nordic artistic vision. Their fresh approach and expressive leadership promise to become a vibrant new voice in Iceland’s growing tango community.
Our Performers: Artistry in Motion
Tango Brigante – World-Class Performance Excellence
Tango Brigante’s performances showcase the sublime artistry that has captivated audiences across four continents, earning them recognition at the Olympic Games. Luciano and Alejandra’s stage presence combines technical mastery with profound emotional expression, representing the pinnacle of Villa Urquiza’s style of elegance. Their performances embody the authentic spirit of Buenos Aires tango, creating mesmerising moments that inspire dancers and celebrate the timeless beauty of Argentine tango tradition.
Bryndís og Hany – Local Artistry with International Appeal
Bryndís og Hany represent the flourishing local talent within Iceland’s tango community, bringing their unique artistic interpretation to the anniversary celebration. Their performances demonstrate how tango culture has taken root and evolved in Nordic soil, creating distinctive expressions that honour Argentine tradition while reflecting Icelandic artistic sensibilities. Their contribution showcases the depth and quality of talent that has developed within Tangófélagið’s nurturing community environment over 25 years.
Our Venues: Historic Stages for Tango Magic
Kramhúsið – Intimate Elegance in the Heart of Reykjavík
Kramhúsið provides intimate elegance for Reykjavík’s most cherished tango experiences, serving as home to regular Friday milongas and special celebrations. This charming venue’s architectural character creates a perfect atmosphere for close-embrace dancing and community connection. Its central location and welcoming ambience have made it beloved among local dancers and international visitors, embodying the warm hospitality that defines Iceland’s tango scene while maintaining authentic milonga traditions.
IÐNÓ – Theatrical Grandeur for Milestone Celebrations
IÐNÓ theater brings theatrical grandeur and cultural prestige to Tangófélagið’s most significant celebrations, including the milestone 25th anniversary festival. This historic venue’s elegant architecture and professional performance capabilities create extraordinary atmospheres for workshops, performances, and grand milongas. IÐNÓ’s cultural significance within Reykjavík’s arts scene adds meaningful context to tango celebrations, positioning the festival within Iceland’s broader cultural heritage while providing world-class facilities for international events.
The Birthday Celebration Dinner Menu Choice
Naut
Forréttur
Grænn spergill með sítrónukremi og gúrku crudides
Aðalréttur
Piparsteik með kartöfluböku,
sveppum og piparsósu
Eftirréttur
Omnom súkkulaðimús
Fiskur
Forréttur
Humarsúpa
Aðalréttur
Pönnusteikt bleikja með kartöflumauki, hvítvínssósu og silungahrognum
Eftirréttur
Vanillubavarois með hindberjasósu
Kjúklingur
Forréttur
Nautacarpaccio með parmesan, ruccola og balsamicgljáa
Aðalréttur
Pönnusteikt kjúklingabringa með bökuðu rótargrænmeti, sinnepssósu og vorlauk
Eftirréttur
Lavakaka með jarðarberjasósu og vanilluís
Vegan
Forréttur
Rauðrófucarpaccio
Aðalréttur
Byggkrókettur með gulrótarkremi, rótargrænmeti og grænkáli
Eftirréttur
Berjasorbet með ferskum berjum
Festivalito Program and Prices
Friday
6:00 pm–7:30 pm — Tango Brigante, Workshop 1, at Kramhúsið
8:00 pm–12:00 (midnight) — Milonga, TDJ Sóley, at Kramhúsið – ISK 2,500
Saturday
10:00 am–11:30 am — Tango Brigante, Workshop 2, at Iðnó
12:00 pm–1:30 pm — Tango Brigante, Workshop 3, at Iðnó
2:00 pm–5:00 pm — Milonga, TDJ Helgi G, at Iðnó – ISK 3,000
6:30 pm–9:00 pm — Festival dinner, at Iðnó – ISK 14,000
9:00 pm–2:00 am — Festival Milonga, TDJ Hlynur «El Arce», at Iðnó – ISK 5,000
10:00pm — Live music, Tangóhljómsveit Bergljótar Arnalds. approx. 30 min, six songs, for dancing
11:00 pm — Live music, Mandolin, approx. 30 min, 6 songs, for dancing
12:00 pm (midnight) — Tango show.
Sunday
10:00 am–11:30 am — Tango Brigante, Workshop 4, Iðnó
12:00(noon)–1:30 pm — Tango Brigante, Workshop 5, Iðnó
2:00pm–5:00pm — Afternoon Milonga, TDJ Þórður, in IÐNÓ – ISK 2,500
Workshop topics will be announced soon.
Passes, Prices, and Discounts
Milonga Pass – ISK 10,000
Festival Pass (includes meals and milongas) – ISK 24,000
Dinner and Festival Milonga – ISK 18,000
1 workshop – ISK 6,000
Workshop Pass (3 workshops) – : ISK 16,000