Dance, Film, Passion - I Had the Heart with Oliver Kolker Ignites Boston’s Tango Scene
Tango lovers, mark your calendars for a cool three-day event with internationally acclaimed tango dancer, performer, and filmmaker Oliver Kolker at Ultimate Tango in Boston. From May 2 to May 4, 2025, I Had the Heart: A Tango Experience offers a deep dive into the world of tango through film, conversation, workshops, and dance. Hosted at Ultimate Tango, this event combines the emotional storytelling of Kolker’s latest film with hands-on opportunities to refine your tango skills.
Friday, May 2: A Night of Film & Tango
Kick off the weekend on May 2 at 7:30pm with a glass of wine and mingling among fellow tango lovers. At 8:00pm, settle in for an exclusive screening of I Had the Heart (Tuve el Corazón), Kolker’s uplifting Argentine film about redemption and the power of music. The story follows Moti Cohen, a faded rock producer who discovers an unlikely tango-singing mechanic, Bartolo, and seizes a chance to revive his career through the vibrant world of tango. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles, the film weaves tango, music, and personal transformation into a moving narrative.
After the screening, join a 30-minute Q&A with Kolker, who’ll share insights into the filmmaking process and his 25-year tango journey. The night wraps up with a milonga from 10:15pm to 1:00am, where you can dance and even cabaceo with Oliver himself.
May 3–4: Tango & Milonga Workshops
On Saturday and Sunday, elevate your dance with Kolker’s four-workshop series. Each 90-minute session focuses on technique, musicality, and expression, offering practical skills for tango and milonga dancers of all levels. Whether you’re fine-tuning your steps or exploring tango’s emotional depth, these workshops are a rare chance to learn from a global tango expert.
Event Details: I Had the Heart Tango Experience
Dates: May 2–4, 2025
Location: Ultimate Tango, 349 Washington St, Malden, MA 02148
Schedule:
Friday, May 2:
7:30pm: Doors open, wine and mingling
8:00pm: I Had the Heart screening + Q&A
10:15pm–1:00am: Milonga
Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4: Tango and milonga workshops (times vary, check Ultimate Tango website)
Pricing:
Full Experience Pass (4 workshops + movie night + milonga): $200
Friday Movie Night + Q&A: $25
Friday Milonga Only: $20
Friday Full Evening (movie + Q&A + milonga): $40
Workshops: $50 (1), $90 (2), $135 (3), $180 (4)
Early Bird Discount: Register by April 20 to save 20% (prices increase April 21)
About Oliver Kolker
Born in New York and raised in Argentina, Oliver Kolker brings over 25 years of tango expertise as a dancer and filmmaker. His 2014 film, Fermín: Glories of Tango, explored Argentine culture through a tango-infused narrative, earning critical acclaim. I Had the Heart continues his storytelling legacy, blending tango’s passion with themes of redemption.
Whether you’re a seasoned tanguero or new to the dance, this event offers a rare chance to experience I Had the Heart before its wider release, connect with Kolker, and immerse yourself in tango’s artistry.
