Tango Meets Contemporary in ‘Malena: Between Freedom and the Embrace’

Alejandra Folguera, founder of Nomad Tango, and Rodney Gustafson, founder of State Street Ballet and co-founder of Nomad Tango, knew they’d hit on something special when Tango Meets Classical, their production of separate pieces of tango and ballet, was a sensation at SOhO last year. This year, things have grown by leaps and bounds as Nomad Tango presents an integrated work that pairs East Coast tango choreographer Fernanda Ghi with Santa Barbara’s own contemporary dance creator Meredith Ventura for Melana, a dance-theatre evening in three acts that explores the frustration of feeling constrained by social constructs and the deep human need for connection and belonging.

Two different dancers portray the main character, with Ghi starring in the first act, while Rachyl Pines, of Ventura’s Selah Dance company, dances the more freestyle middle section full of rebellion and urge for agency. Ghi returns for the closing act that shows how salvation exists in a new kind of tango that allows both freedom and connection. Both Ghi’s and Ventura’s companies also perform in their respective acts. 

The evening continues with a Q&A with the co-choreographers followed by a Milonga (social dance) and reception at the Lobero courtyard. Visit www.lobero.org or https://nomadtango.org.