Not dancing to Gardel
By Alberto Paz

There is difference, a BIG difference, between Gardel's songs and Gardel singing. The tradition we have made reference to before, is about not dancing when Gardel is singing. It has to do with the concept of "the man who listens to Gardel." This is a dweller of the city who workships Gardel as an icon. These individuals generally don't dance, don't even recognize other Tango interpreters (everybody else is an imitator, Gardel sings better every day, etc., etc.).

To Gardel followers, the "mute one" is untouchable, flawless, and better than perfect. In other words, there is fanaticism involved here. Because of the degree of workshipping to which Gardel has been elevated to, dancing when he is singing would be the same as having cocktails at an Easter mass, or to applaud the skills of a Boca Jr.'s player while sitting of the River Plate's reserved seats. Or viceversa.

I guess the word I'm looking for is heressy, or maybe sacrilege. But then again, I mentioned the word fanatic before. Recognizing that many illustrious members of this list might be scratching their chins and thinking "what in the name of Piazzola is he talking about?", all I can say is, it takes more than a three week trip to Buenos Aires to learn what we learn in a lifetime about Tango, the music of Buenos Aires, the Buenos Aires by night, the codes, the protocols, the first time she nods and lets you have a dance or two...

We can look at these traditions and laugh about them, mock them, or adopt them as part of our authenticity and our desire to preserve that tradition. Staying off the floor if somebody plays Gardel (not his music, understand?) is a good choice for me, grabbing my crotch during Adios Muchachos is another. Take a close look around the next time you hear the song... :-)


Alberto Paz
TangoMan

• CARLOS GARDEL, Biography by Alberto Paz
• Missing Carlitos. By Alberto Paz
• El Firulete, The Argentine Tango Magazine
• Tango-A mailing list archive
• Tango-L mailing list archive