As the end of another memorable year approaches, I would like to pause for a moment to acknowledge some of the people who have inspired and encouraged me on my long and fascinating tango journey.
Dancers
The late Osvoldo Zotto for his elegance, expressiveness, and his beautiful quality of movement. You were my first and finest model for how a tanguero should stand and walk and move, and you are with me every time that I step onto the milonga floor.
Carolina Zokalski and Diego Di Falco for their mesmerizing performances in Tango Magic at Carnegie Hall.
Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo for the incomparable artistry and expression of their choreography.
Guillermina Quiroga and Junior Cervila for their dedication to the highest levels of technical artistry. Also, to Guillermina for her unforgettable version of Piazolla's Oblivión with Roberto Reis.
Antón Gazenbeek and Gabriel Missé for their astonishing technical mastery.
Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli, Homer Ladas, and Andres Amarilla for innovating and expanding the vocabulary of tango into the 21st Century.
Teachers
Diego Di Falco for being able to explain - and demo - any ludicrous technical situation that I have ever been able to dream up.
Ivan Terrezas and Sara Grdan for extremely useful guidance on the mechanics of movement. I'll never forget what you taught me, because I apply it in every dance.
Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo - the lesson that you gave to me when I was just starting out was so insightful and valuable and supportive. Thank you!
Andres Amarilla for sharing his brilliantly organized framework for understanding and improvising tango. These teachings have empowered and super-charged every step that I have taken for years.
Evan Griffiths for your relaxed, earnest, supportive, knowledgeable, and entertaining teaching style. I hope that you won't mind that I try to emulate you when I teach my own classes.
Valeria Solomonoff and Rebecca Shulman for so many memorable classes on so many important topics.
Claudio Villagra for demonstrating before my very eyes the highest level accomplishment as a leader, i.e. that if you have the skills, you can lead any follower to dance any step.
Friends and Colleagues
Carolina and Diego for being inspiring teachers and great friends and for encouraging me and believing in me in so many ways.
Chris and Tony for their enthusiasm, friendship, support, and positive energy over the years.
To my old, old, OLD and DEAR friends Rob and Lee, whom I met back in the days when we were all just starting out.
To Steve and Michelle and Victor and Larissa and Rene and Cecilia and Mónica and Sith and Alla and Lara and Greg and Jean and Ralph and Marisol and Norma and all of the warm, wonderful, enthusiastic people who make Twin Maples such an amazing place to hang out and dance.
To all of my practice partners over the years - the time that we spent together is a gift that I shall cherish forever! I can never repay you for the patience and kindness that you provided to me in boundless supply.
To my special angel and the love of my life for granting me the freedom to study and explore this amazing art form for so many years.
And finally, and most importantly, to my amazing, motivated, energetic students who arrive with big smiles and lots of questions each week and work hard no matter how much I ask of you. Your enthusiasm and desire and interest and commitment are the fire that inspires me to be the best that I can be. I am humbled to have earned your trust, honored to share your time, and thrilled to watch your impressive progress. Thank you for permitting me to play a role in your own tango journeys.
Merry Christmas and best wishes to all for a joyous and fulfilling 2014!
¡Buena suerte amigos, y muchas gracias!
Daniel
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