The Deeper You Go: Exploring Tuve el Corazón and the Soul of Tango
The deeper you go, the more you find.
Tango has a sneaky way of pulling you in. At first, it’s just the beat. Then, you start hearing the phrasing, the layers, the tension between instruments. Before you know it, you’re obsessing over the way a single violin note lingers in a Pugliese track or how a singer’s phrasing changes the meaning of an entire song.
Photo Credit: Tuve El Corazón
Talking to Oliver Kolker about his latest film, Tuve el Corazón, I was reminded of this—how tango is a universe that keeps expanding the more you explore it.
His film captures the passion, history, and contradictions of this dance, and our conversation revealed just how deeply tango influences not only movement but also storytelling.
A Story of Second Chances
Tuve el Corazón (I Had the Heart) tells the story of Moti Cohen, a once-famous rock producer who discovered the hit band Las Panteras and their chart-topping song “Tuve el Corazón” twenty years ago.
But just as success was within reach, the band signed with another agent, leaving Moti behind.
Now, Moti’s life has taken a downturn. He’s divorced, barely scraping by with odd jobs for his uncle. When his car breaks down on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, he leaves it with Bartolo, a stuttering mechanic. While waiting, Moti is unexpectedly approached by his former record label and asked to find a tango singer for an upcoming festival.
In the most unlikely of places, he discovers that Bartolo is not just a mechanic—he’s a gifted tango singer.
Sensing a second chance at success, Moti throws himself into the tango world, determined to reclaim his former glory and help Bartolo shine.
The Collision of Worlds: Tango and Rock in 1970s Buenos Aires
Set against the backdrop of 1970s Buenos Aires, Tuve el Corazón explores the cultural tensions between traditional tango and the rising influence of rock music.
This era marked a shift in Argentina’s musical landscape—where younger generations turned to rock as an act of rebellion and self-expression, while tango was often viewed as the music of the past.
Kolker’s film portrays how these two genres, seemingly at odds, intertwine and influence each other. The narrative reflects a broader societal shift, highlighting the struggles of artists caught between preserving cultural heritage and embracing new artistic movements.
“What if the real story of tango isn’t just in the milonga,” Kolker asks, “but in the battle between generations, between rock and roll and bandoneóns, between what we inherit and what we create?”
This tension is woven into the film’s soundtrack, where tango and rock collide, creating a unique soundscape that mirrors the film’s emotional core.
Rediscovering Tango: A Personal Journey
For Moti, entering the world of tango is more than a business opportunity—it’s a personal rediscovery. As he immerses himself in the scene, he reconnects with a part of himself long buried beneath past failures.
This mirrors the experience of many who come to tango later in life.
At first, it’s about learning the steps, but soon, tango asks for more. It demands presence, patience, and the ability to listen—not just to music, but to another person.
It pulls you through frustration, obsession, and moments of inexplicable joy.
Kolker, a seasoned tango dancer himself, understands this deeply.
His portrayal of tango isn’t just about dance—it’s about transformation.
It’s about how a simple embrace on the dance floor can become a conversation, a confession, a revelation.
The Mechanics of Emotion: Bartolo’s Dual Identity
Bartolo, the mechanic with an unexpected gift for tango singing, embodies the film’s theme of hidden potential.
He challenges the notion that identity is fixed, showing how passion can transcend societal labels.
There’s something profoundly tango-like about his story. Tango thrives on contradiction—melancholy and euphoria, elegance and rawness, discipline and abandon.
Bartolo carries this duality within him. By day, he is covered in grease, fixing engines. By night, he transforms—a voice that carries history, longing, and desire.
The Soundtrack of a Generation
Music plays a pivotal role in Tuve el Corazón, not just as a backdrop, but as a driving force in the characters’ lives.
The film’s soundtrack blends traditional tango compositions with rock influences, reflecting the cultural fusion of the era.
The title track, “Tuve el Corazón,” becomes more than just a song—it’s a symbol.
For Moti, it represents a dream lost. For Bartolo, it’s a chance at something bigger than himself. And for the audience, it becomes a refrain that lingers, much like the best tango melodies do.
Step Into the World of Tango: A Weekend with Oliver Kolker
Kolker doesn’t just bring tango to the big screen—he invites you to experience it firsthand. This May, you have the rare opportunity to engage with him at Ultimate Tango for a weekend of film, discussion, and workshops.
Friday, May 2 – A Night of Film & Tango
7:30 PM – Doors open, wine reception
8:00 PM – Screening of I Had the Heart
Q&A with Oliver Kolker
10:15 PM – 1:00 AM – Milonga
May 3-4 – Tango & Milonga Workshops
Saturday, May 3 – Milonga Focus
Understanding Milonga Traspie (All Levels)
Advanced Milonga Moves (Intermediate/Advanced)
Bonus: Práctica Che Tango!
Sunday, May 4 – Tango Technique & Fundamentals
Cleaning Up Your Basic Step (All Levels)
Understanding the Structure of the Turn (All Levels)
Private lessons available throughout the weekend.
Pricing & Packages
Full Experience Pass (All 4 Workshops + Movie Night + Milonga) – $200
Film Screening & Q&A – $25
Milonga Only – $20
Full Evening Package (Movie + Q&A + Milonga) – $40
Single Workshop – $50 (discounts for multiple workshops)
Early Bird Pricing available until April 20.
Tango Beyond the Screen
Whether you watch it, dance it, or live it—tango has a way of pulling you in. This May, step into a world of rhythm, emotion, and connection with Oliver Kolker.
Will you just watch from the sidelines, or will you take the floor?