in memoriam - info

Chicago RemembersCARLOS GAVITOCarlos Gavito was a strong influence onthe development of tango in Chicago.Not only did he inspire and encourageBob Dronski to open Tango…nadamas, the first and only salon devotedstrictly to Argentine tango in NorthAmerica, but he drew many Chicagoansinto the tango during Forever Tango’sChicago engagement. Gavito alsoshaped the way tango was dancedin Chicago during his time here andpersonally inspired many people.I have heard many stories frompeople over the years about Gavito andthey are not all here unfortunately. Ican honestly say that various peopleI have talked to about him mentionedhow he treated everyone warmly ratherthan keeping a distance, despite thefact that he was an internationallyrecognized star. Many Chicagoans toldme that Gavito always rememberedthem, even their names, when theyran into him in Buenos Aires after notseeing him for a few years. Gavito alsoattended several local milongas while inChicago, dancing and socializing withmany people rather than acting aloofor too superior to dance withthe masses.When you talk to people hereabout the development of tango inChicago, especially those who havebeen dancing since the mid 90’s,Gavito’s name usually comes up.Although I was unable to obtain quotesfrom everyone who studied with Gavitoor was influenced by him, I collecteda few excerpts from dancers in ourcommunity that received somethingfrom Gavito’s teaching and presence inthe Chicago community.My memories of Gavito are of his comingto our Chicago Tango Club Argentine.In the summer of 1996, the Club wastemporarily dancing in the ballroom ofthe Chicago Athletic Club on MichiganAvenue (while Club 720 was undergoingrenovation). He came just to dance andenjoy - not to be a performer. Dancingwith Gavito was as easy and natural asbreathing.He and I were also interviewed on a TVspecial out in a western suburb studio, butunfortunately I never saw a tape. Certainlywe associate him with Tango…nada mas asguest dance master. Again, as a teacher hewas gracious and easy to understand. Weas a tango community are saddened by hispassing.Charlotte VikstromCarlos Gavito was the inspiration forme to learn how to dance the ArgentineTango. His classes were always filled withinformation that to this day I rememberand use. He was one of the most beautifulmale tango dancers that I have ever seenand I will miss his vision greatly. Hiskindness to me the last time he was herewill always be remembered. I can onlyhope he is at peace now.Janet RieckCarlos Gavito was among the half dozenbest tango dancers in the world. I studiedwith him and Marcela Durán when ForeverTango was in Chicago in 1995. I took manyprivate and group lessons with him. Morelessons than any other teacher that I’vestudied with. Particularly, I felt I learned agreat deal about the drama of tango. Longsteps with loping music, short steps withstaccato music. I learned to listen to themusic. When the music stops, you stop.You don’t have to dance every beat, butwhen you step, he said, step on the beat.I once asked him to give me a lesson inBuenos Aires. He said yes, but I had to askhim again and again before he scheduledit. Did I have a partner? No. We did thelesson at Gricel in the basement. Hebrought along Dolores de Amo, one of thebetter dancers. That was the extent of hispull. Even for a trivial lesson he could graba real good dancer. I remember how thelesson began, he said, “Stand like a man.”Posture, attitude. They were all important.It is not an accident that one of the mostfamous songs is called Gallo Ciego, theblind rooster.Tom BarnardCarlos Gavito will always be rememberedin the world as the “Ambassador ofTango” for his style, presence and artisticdistinction. His form of movement onthe dance floor and stage, but even moreimportantly, his musical interpretationin my opinion, appears as if he was notfollowing the music. On the contrary, themusic was subject to his command. Hisartistic creations were for his own personalpleasure and he shared them with all of us.For those of us that had the privilegeof knowing him personally, we know thatalthough physically he is no longer amongus, his spirit will always be anywherethe tango is danced. I will not say to our“Maestro”, rest in peace, instead I will saydance in peace.Jose CaravantesMy first encounter with Gavito was shortlyafter I began dancing Argentine tango(thank you, Bob (Dronski) and Kathleen(Kreher) for sponsoring him – and othermaestros – during the late ‘90s). Altho’Leroy (Hearon) had clued me in as to hismagical mastery, the experience of actuallymeeting, studying and dancing with Gavitowithin the first few weeks of my initialmilonga undoubtedly contributed to turning6 tango noticias • august 2005