MariaPia De Pasquale, a native of Milan, Italy, started dancing Argentine Tango in 2001 in Boston, MA. Pia was so enchanted by this sensual and creative dance that learning, dancing and interpreting Tango quickly conquered most of her free time. "Argentine Tango is an elegant and sensual dance that makes two people connect through its music. It is a hymn of seduction, intertwining music, poetry, and passion," says MariaPia.
Pia is currently Director and Head Instructor of Nashville Tango Club. MariaPia has studied with internationally renowned Argentine Tango Masters, such as the Broadway star Pablo Veron, Miriam Larici, Nito and Elba, Fabian Salas, Carina Losano and more. She never misses a chance to fly anywhere there's an Argentine Tango festival or a workshop-- whether in the US, Europe, or Latin America.
When she moved to Nashville in 2002 she made it her mission to bring Argentine Tango to Nashville. To accomplish her task, MariaPia co-founded the Nashville Tango Club to expose and educate Nashvillians to the passion of this extraordinary art. In 2004, she helped form the very successful nonprofit TangoNashville and served as the Artistic Director, Head Instructor, and principal choreographer.
MariaPia choreographs and performs at special events and presentations, and she also hosts 'Milongas' (the Argentine Tango dance/social gatherings) for the growing and enthusiastic local community. As Head Instructor, MariaPia teaches individual and group classes, and workshops, and also trains a Dance Troupe on a weekly basis.
Additionally, she has performed at the Tennessee Latino Awards Gala, artistic events in Cheekwood, the Frist Museum, festivals and at local entertainment venues. She has been a faculty member of the Nashville Ballet, the Vanderbilt Dance Program and the Metro Nashville Arts Center, and currently teaches at the Global Education Center.
When not on the dance floor, MariaPia De Pasquale is a Research Assistant Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University and specializes in AIDS research.