Introduction to Argentine Tango

Marisa Pauloni
After studying at the ÉSBQ, Marisa Pauloni received a scholarship from the Consulate General of France, which enabled her to join the Rosella Hightower International Dance Center and then the Jeune Ballet International. She then pursued a career as a professional dancer in classical and contemporary dance for fifteen years in France, Germany, and with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.
She left the stage in 2010 to explore other facets of dance. Very quickly, several renowned companies called on her services. In particular, she held the position of ballet mistress for the international company Lalala Human Steps and for the production of The Nutcracker for several years.
In 2012, a grant from the CALQ allowed her to reconnect with tango, a discipline she had set aside during her career. She moved to Argentina for several months to perfect her technique and then returned to Quebec to teach. She joined the Tango Las Piernas studio for a few years. In 2016, she was appointed assistant artistic director of Les Grands Ballets. The following year, she decided to devote herself entirely to teaching. After obtaining her diploma in classical dance teaching from the ÉSBQ, she joined the Ballet Divertimento team for six years. She has also been teaching at Les Studios des Grands Ballets since they opened in 2017.
Marisa takes immense pleasure in inspiring those she meets through her passion for dance training. Her classes aim to develop her students’ technique while nurturing their expressive potential. For her, dance is not only a passion, but also a way of life, surrounded by music and beauty. Tango, meanwhile, represents her roots, her family memories, and a unique way of expressing sensuality through walking, music, and the abrazo.
This introductory tango class is for anyone curious to discover this rich, elegant, and deeply connected improvisational dance. No prerequisites are necessary: the goal is to offer an accessible, musical, and inspiring first experience.
Throughout the session, participants will explore the essential basics of Argentine tango:
- walking, the heart of tango and the foundation of its elegance;
- the abrazo, the art of subtle contact and physical dialogue;
- connection, the key to fluid communication between partners;
- rhythm and musicality, to feel the dance rather than count it;
- the first steps and simple movements, allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of improvisation.
Marisa’s approach emphasizes the quality of movement, body awareness, and respect for your partner, in a welcoming and pressure-free environment. Each participant is guided at their own pace, in an atmosphere where discovery happens gently, with joy and curiosity.
This class is a great introduction for anyone who wants to start tango or simply enjoy a unique artistic experience rooted in music, sensory awareness, and human connection.

