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87 years later, Gardel sings better than ever

Carlos Gardel arriving at the San Juan pier for his presentations throughout the island. April 1935.

From bars and private parties, the Argentinian became one of the most influential interpreters of the world

Juan A. Hernandez, The Weekly Journal

Carlos Gardel, the most prominent figure in the history of tango, died 87 years ago, and, like many Argentinians say, “with every passing day he sings better.” Born Charles Romuald

Gardès, on December 11, 1890 in

Toulouse, France, Gardel started his career in show business singing in bars and private parties, but quickly became one of the most influential singers in the first half of the 20th century, a time when there was no television, the internet was non-existent and movies and radio were in their infancy. As an international star, Gardel went on tour to Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Puerto Rico,

Venezuela, and Colombia, as well as making appearances in Paris, New York, Barcelona and Madrid. In the first three months of his 1928 visit to Paris, the rising star sold 70,000 records. As his popularity grew, Gardel was hired by Paramount Pictures, both in France and the U.S. to film several movies, among them “La casa es seria” (The House is Serious), “Luces de Buenos Aires” (The Lights of Buenos Aires) “Cuesta abajo” (Downhill) and “El día que me quieras” (The Day You Love Me).

Gardel And Puerto Rico

During his last international tour in 1935, Gardel visited the island –two months before the tragic plane accident that killed him– for a series of presentations in San Juan, Cataño, Manatí, Arecibo, Mayagüez, Yauco, Ponce, Guayama and Cayey. Several myths came to be during his almost monthlong visit, including several romances with local belles, with at least one becoming the source of inspiration for a novel. Nevertheless, the most enduring “myth” is the one that tells how Gardel’s entourage got lost on its way to a presentation in Mayagüez. Legend has it, that after realizing they had lost their way, Gardel’s driver stopped to ask for directions somewhere in the town of Isabela. He asked a man walking on the side of the road –a plumber– who leaned over the car’s window and instructed them how to get on their way. While giving directions, the man had a chance to look at the people inside the car. In the front seat, on the passenger side, was Alfredo Le Pera (author of many of Gardel’s tangos) and Gardel in the

In fact, backseat. “I know you,” said the plumber, pointing in the singer’s direction. “You are Carlos Gardel.” “How come you know me?” a puzzled Gardel inquired.In the first three “I’ve seen you in the movies,” answered the man.months of his 1928 Gardel then came out of the car to greet his fan visit to Paris, Gardel properly and, one thing lead to another, and before sold 70,000 records. long there was a crowd begging the “Criollo” to sing a tango for them. In an impromptu concert Gardel supposedly sang a few songs standing on the front balcony of a nearby house (some say he climbed on the hood of his car), before continuing on his way. Whether this story is true or not, the fact is, Gardel is still remembered in Isabela and has a strong enough following to have a tango festival (The Isabela Tango Fest) to commemorate his visit to a town where he didn’t have a show… or did he?

I’ve seen you in the movies.

A plumber giving directions to Carlos Gardel (1935)

Tango still attracts crowds around the island

2007 Tango World Champion visited the island for workshops and private classes

Juan A. Hernandez, The Weekly Journal

Despite being considered by many a form of Argentine folklore, tango is very much alive and kicking (pun very much intended) not only in Argentina, but throughout the world, including Puerto Rico.

It may come as a surprise to many but there is even a tango festival –The Isabela Tango Fest– that takes place every summer to commemorate tango’s superstar Carlos Gardel’s visit to Puerto Rico, particularly to Isabela.

But not only that. There is also a healthy group of “tangueros” (tango aficionados) that meet regularly at the lobby of the Marriott’s Hotel in Condado, not only to dance their feet away (of course) but to share their own experiences with the original “forbidden dance.”

“There was a time when tango was a popular dance, but it no longer is. Nevertheless, there are a lot of people who consider it something of a cult dance. [Tango] is ever present in our culture, our Buenos Aires culture above all,” said Inés Muzzoppapa, tango artist, teacher and 2007 Tango World Champion.

The artist, who came to

Puerto Rico last month to offer workshops and private classes, admitted tango has evolved over time.

“Nowadays, not everybody dances tango, nor a tango place can be found everywhere. They are a bit hidden. But that is not to say that there are just a few of them. There are many tango places,” Inés said, referring to the rising of new rhythms in Argentina, such as “cuartetos” and “cumbias.”

According to the tango artist, people are moved by musical trends.

“You host a party and you play ‘cuarteto’ or ‘cumbia’ and everybody dances –nobody knows what they’re doing, but nobody cares. It was the same with tango. But now, if you don’t know tango, you don’t dance,” Inés said, recalling the days when her grandparents danced. “They just danced, and they learned tango, dancing.”

Inés explained that there are two basic tango styles: stage and ballroom. The first one being mainly a planned choreography –which presents some specific challenges, but that cannot necessarily be considered more difficult to perform. And the second one, which is improvised and is the one dance at the ‘milongas’ (popular clubs). In either version, dancers can lead (proponent) or follow (interpreter), indistinctly.

“The roles in tango do not depend on gender anymore, but with what you want to do. Therefore you can assume the role of the leader, or the follower, interpreting the dance proposal,” explained Inés. “This is beautiful because it is an evolution, but not a structural one, meaning that the dance itself didn’t changed. Tango hasn’t changed, what changed was the way to live it.”

Despite its perceived high degree of complexity,

The roles in tango do not depend on gender anymore, but with what you want to do. Therefore you can assume the role of the leader, or the follower. Inés Muzzoppapa, Argentine tango artist

In fact,

There are two basic tango styles: stage and ballroom. The first one being mainly a planned choreography and the second a more socially improvised dance. learning to tango is not difficult. For those interested, there is the “Milonga del Encanto” every Thursday evening at the lobby of the Marriott Hotel, where you can socially engage with other tango aficionados. Also, group classes will begin next August 15, at the Puerto Rico Engineers and Surveyors Association. There is even a series of tango events called the “Practilonga Errante,” sponsored by Tango Blanco, where free classes are offered in public spaces, followed by dancing practices with experienced tango dancers. Time and dates of these events would be announced on Tango Blanco’s social media. Further information can be obtained on the webpages and social media of Isabela Tango Fest, “Show Pasión de Tango,” the Arthur Murray Dance Studios or the School for the Performing Arts.

Inés Muzzipappa. >Nahira Montcourt / THE WEEKLY JOURNAL