Friday, October 25, 2024
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Gustavo Naveira Apology Statement
Following an incident (perpetrated against his wife, Giselle Anne) while performing at the Gavito Tango Festival at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 5, 2024. (Issued in the wee hours of Tuesday, October 8, 2024.)
From Gustavo Naveira: "First of all, I want to apologize a million times to Giselle Anne for my behavior last Saturday at the Gavito Tango Festival in Los Angeles. Giselle, my partner in life and in dance for almost thirty years, mother of two of my children, the best tango teacher and the best tango dancer I have ever danced with, has had to endure behavior on my part that was absolutely reprehensible and lacking in all professionalism. Giselle, an extraordinary woman, a reference of Argentine Tango, who has been part of the greatest shows in the history of tango, received mistreatment from me, of which I feel deeply ashamed, which I should never have carried out, and for which I apologize, knowing that simply there are no excuses. At a certain point I began to rebuke Giselle in front of everyone present in an uncontrolled way, I know it was embarrassing, and I also know that there will be no more opportunity for reparation. Giselle, of course, knew how to cope with the situation with calm and natural grace, once again demonstrating her high level of professionalism. Gis I ask you for forgiveness again, I didn't know how to live up to your artistic presence.
I also want to apologize to the group of professionals who made up the team of teachers of the event. All of them, in the days before and on that same Saturday before us, gave impeccable displays of talent, ability and mettle, all conditions that I lacked that night so I could not join that team. I want to apologize to them for creating a moment of unpleasant tension and tarnishing a night that should have been brilliant, especially for the expectations they had placed on us.
I also apologize to the audience present that night who had to endure a sad and painful spectacle on my part, which caused, at least at that moment, confusion and uneasiness among the people, since they did not understand what was happening.
Very especially I want to also address the organizers of this event, Dennis and Tanya, excellent people who work very hard for the achievement of this excellently well organized Festival that is undoubtedly among the best in the world, a thousand apologies to them for having caused this very negative disturbance.
I also accept the countless criticisms I have received on social networks and I fully assume my responsibility for the fact. My nerves failed, I didn't know how to control myself, and despite many years of experience, I behaved like a rookie exposing my inability and weakness of character. My frustration didn't allow me to see that this was the woman I loved and admired the most in my life.... A thousand apologies to everyone for this.
Throughout my years (decades) as a tango teacher I have always taught about the need for communication between the members of the dance couple to achieve quality in the dance. That teaching tells the truth, but I did not know how to put into practice as a dancer what I teach as a teacher. That is why I want to apologize to all my students, both those present and those who reacted to the video, for having soiled that undeniable truth of the theory, with a number of reactions that had nothing to do with the quality of the dance, and that led me to an intolerable behavior towards my partner.
I know that my schedule has now changed abruptly, and maybe it will change forever, I accept it, it is a great sadness but I accept it, it is absolutely my responsibility. And it hurts me very deeply that Giselle's future as a dancer is affected because of me, which in no way deserves it.
Finally, I want to apologize to my family, especially to my children, two of whom are professional tango dancers, and have had to see their father's bad behavior on social media. Someone on the networks referred negatively to "Los" Naveira. I want to express that the only Naveira who behaved badly was me, my children are excellent people, excellent dancers who have nothing to do with this fact. As I said before, I accept all criticism, but that "los" (plural) is superfluous."
Again, I apologize.
Gustavo Naveira
________________________________________
Quiero en primerísimo lugar pedirle un millón de disculpas a Giselle Anne, por mi comportamiento del sábado pasado en el Gavito Tango Festival, en Los Ángeles. Giselle, mi compañera en la vida y en el baile por casi treinta años, madre de dos de mis hijos, la mejor maestra de tango y la mejor bailarina de tango con la que yo haya bailado jamás, ha tenido que soportar un comportamiento de mi parte absolutamente reprochable y falto de toda profesionalidad. Giselle, una mujer extraordinaria, referente del Tango Argentino, que ha sido parte de los más grandes espectáculos de la historia del tango, recibió un maltrato de mi parte, del que me siento profundamente avergonzado, que jamás debí haber llevado a cabo, y por el que pido disculpas, sabiendo que sencillamente no tiene excusas. Giselle y yo, en el tango hemos creado juntos cosas que yo firmemente creo sean muy valiosas. Pero en un momento determinado de la exhibición comencé a increpar a Giselle frente a todos los presentes de manera descontrolada, haciendo añicos justamente todo ello que somos en el tango. Sé que fue bochornoso, y también sé que ya no habrá oportunidad de reparación. Giselle, por supuesto, supo sobrellevar la situación con calma y gracia natural, demostrando una vez más su alto nivel de profesionalismo. Gis te pido perdón nuevamente, no supe estar a tu altura.
También quiero pedirle disculpas al grupo de profesionales que conformaban el equipo de maestros del evento. Todos ellos, en los días anteriores y en ese mismo sábado antes que nosotros, dieron impecables muestra de talento, capacidad y temple, todas condiciones que me faltaron esa noche por lo que no pude unirme a ese equipo. Quiero disculparme con ellos por haber creado un momento de tensión desagradable y empañar una noche que debió haber sido brillante, especialmente por las expectativas que habían puesto en nosotros.
Le pido disculpas también al público presente de esa noche que tuvo que soportar de mi parte un espectáculo triste y penoso, que provocó al menos en ese momento, confusión y desazón entre la gente, ya que no se entendía lo que sucedía.
Muy especialmente quiero dirigirme también a los organizadores de este evento, Dennis y Tanya, excelentísimas personas que trabajan durísimo para la consecución de este Festival excelentemente bien organizado que se encuentra sin dudas entre los mejores del mundo, mil disculpas a ellos por haber ocasionado este disturbio tan negativo.
También acepto la innumerable cantidad de críticas que he recibido en las redes sociales y asumo totalmente mi responsabilidad en el hecho. Mis nervios fallaron, no supe controlarme, y a pesar de los muchos años de experiencia, me comporté como un novato dejando a la vista mi incapacidad y mi debilidad de carácter. Mi frustración no me permitió ver que se trataba de la mujer que más amé y admiré en mi vida…. Mil disculpas a todos por ello.
A lo largo de mis años (décadas) de maestro del tango he enseñado siempre, sobre la necesidad de comunicación entre los integrantes de la pareja de baile para alcanzar la calidad en el baile. Esa enseñanza dice la verdad, pero yo no supe llevar a la práctica como bailarín lo que enseño como maestro. Por eso quiero pedirles disculpas a todos mis alumnos, tanto a los presentes como a los que reaccionaron frente al video, por haber ensuciado esa verdad incontrastable de la teoría, con una cantidad de reacciones que nada tenían que ver con la calidad en el baile, y que me llevaron a un comportamiento intolerable hacia mi compañera.
Sé que mi agenda ahora ha cambiado abruptamente, y quizá cambie para siempre, lo acepto, es una gran tristeza, pero lo acepto, es absolutamente mi responsabilidad. Y me duele muy profundamente que por mi culpa se vea afectado el futuro de Giselle como bailarina, que de ninguna manera lo merece.
Por último, quiero pedirle disculpas a mi familia, especialmente a mis hijos, dos de los cuales son bailarines profesionales del tango, y han tenido que ver en las redes el mal comportamiento de su padre. Alguien en las redes se refirió negativamente a "Los" Naveira. Quiero expresar que el único Naveira que se comportó mal fui yo, mis hijos son excelentísimas personas, bailarines excelsos que nada tienen que ver con este hecho. Como dije antes, acepto todas las críticas, pero ese "los" está de más.
Nuevamente me disculpo.
Gustavo Naveira
Sent from my iPad
Monday, October 7, 2024
Gentlemen’s Guide To Tango
From Katerina Dmitrieva on Facebook:
Gentlemen's guide for Tango.*
Disclaimer: Like everything in life this can be used for good and evil/manipulation.
It is based on my own experiences and talks I had. I had bad experiences but still I hope and believe Tango is a beautiful dance to let us be in the present moment TOGETHER. With your partner and as a whole. For our shared love of Tango. ❤️
These are ideas from a followers perspective, do what you want with them. I love same sex dancers but the following is about male lead and female follower perspective.
Tango is part of my life, my ritual, I work for it. And with certain things only a Tango person will understand you.
Consent is always key, in dance can be both; verbal & non-verbal.
****
So here are examples of things I found pleasant and unpleasant - tastes may vary.
A bit of humour when things go wrong. You never know of tired feet in heels, floor dynamics (needing energy to balance out the slippery ones or needing to push more when they are sticky/dry) or even comfort of follower.
For instance first tandas scare me and you can tell 😆🫣
Offer the arm or hand to guide to dancefloor. If she doesn't want accept instantly.
Breath together. At start, in between, at the end. Never too much! And please without loud sounds...
Breathe to indicate movement can be nice. Not everyone likes bellybreath, it's a tool.
So you have your fan, it is so nice when you use it for the two of you in small break between songs.
Compliments. (Definitely from both sides!) Like the connection/quality of energy/dress/perfume/earrings/details
…
Just for the sake of it, to make the other feel good, to relax, not necessarily for flirting.
Leaving space to express & be playful, waiting. Tango is no monologue.
Personally when I don't know you and we dance for the first time I don't apprechiate many ganchos. Especially the super aggressive ones (knees are joints that can get hurt) or when it gets messy...
No need to show off/having this much strong contact. *Leader's thigh in follower's crotch is not acceptable!* Better give the lady room to express and choose the level of closeness she wants for upper body and lower extremities.
Embrace can have different qualities, but never a rigid cage.
If the lady wants, hold her at the end of tanda. Never a cage-like hold (especially when she already gives subtle signs of wanting out, let it be)! Maybe the woman needs space to collect herself. Me for instance need time to breath, cool down, fix dress/hair. I know it can break a connection. That right afterwards can be established again.
If follower says floor is slippery/she says she is tired please adapt a bit.
I love it to be offered the arm to walk back. More for bigger venues/marathon setting.
Talk to each other more. Before or after tandas or in between songs. A way to connect also through words.
Don't take perceived rejection personal.
Tango can be cruel. Go to where they accept you, never on purpose put you down and in best case celebrate you. 🥳 Find your crowd.
People will talk s* about you anyway. It is a mirror for themselves. Some people are two-faced and act selfish. You know your worth.
Last one: Gentlemen be gentlemen towards each other. No need to show dominance or neglect by invading the others space in the ronda.
To see a man waiting to be allowed in the ronda & the other accepting, I always find it so pleasent. Apologizing with signals for little accidents (immediate or if not possible after the tanda) and laughing about it, I find it so attractive.
-> Have decent behaviour. To summarize ☺️
-------
Here are the unpleasant things, some examples:
Crossing lines like touching breasts or butt is no option. Obviously. But also a VERY low hand that reaches lower back/beginning of butt.
Listen to non-verbal signs... Follower is getting heavy to make you wait, getting lighter or more in cranial direction to indicate needing more lightness. If she does not do a move, adapt to it and not keep repeating because she did not 'understand'. Maybe she didn't want to (like mentioned in case with ganchos).
It's not forbidden of course but if she speaks up verbally indicating she is/her feet are tired please adapt. Maybe during the dance she finds back her energy but don't rush into super energetic/strong lead. (Different followers need different leads, happens that men lead super strong because their less experienced followers need it, also personal preferences. But never ever push so joints get in danger of being hurt 🫣)
Please do never talk about how close is your hotel room. Just don't.
Never ever correct verbally in milonga. We all know that.
Big kisses directly on the cheek can be too much (while greeting or after tanda) and not received well when they are forced.
I would avoid to check the cleavage and then compliment the necklace. Appears creepy.
Avoid 'compliments' like 'You look good enough to bite into' or directly ask: 'Where can I bite you?'. It's giving creep also.
Don't create drama or avoid a person only because your ego was hurt. We can oftentimes still say Hi, also without necessary hugging.
Final notes:
We as women take ourselves dancing & love to dance with you. So we all can work towards a pleasant experience for everyone.
Would love to hear your opinions & would love also the leaders' perspective. Public in the comments or pm.
It can be dangerous to give people the benefit of a doubt, if you felt uncomfortable please talk to a Tango friend or organizer and if you want to the person. Ask them if they want to understand & give a chance for repair.
I heard that f.e. instance in France is a strong feminist movement so that men feel scared to even do things like offer the arm to walk back to avoid crossing boundaries. I support this movement AND at the same time would love to have a careful way to treat each other without 'fear of each other'.
Sometimes it is so subtle and hard to put in words the feeling when a men is crossing the line but addressing the issue can help.
I had cases where men did not behave like gentlemen, I made the offer to explain and in the end it was out of the world/better.
I believe we all make mistakes and we can learn from them. Sometimes you are truly not aware of these things. And sometimes you are and decide to behave that way anyway. There are men that love women. There are men who hate women.
Take care 🎀
*Because a real man is gentle and knows how to lead.
He knows what he wants & has self-control. 😉😘
Sent from my iPhone
Gentlemen's guide for Tango.*
Disclaimer: Like everything in life this can be used for good and evil/manipulation.
It is based on my own experiences and talks I had. I had bad experiences but still I hope and believe Tango is a beautiful dance to let us be in the present moment TOGETHER. With your partner and as a whole. For our shared love of Tango. ❤️
These are ideas from a followers perspective, do what you want with them. I love same sex dancers but the following is about male lead and female follower perspective.
Tango is part of my life, my ritual, I work for it. And with certain things only a Tango person will understand you.
Consent is always key, in dance can be both; verbal & non-verbal.
****
So here are examples of things I found pleasant and unpleasant - tastes may vary.
A bit of humour when things go wrong. You never know of tired feet in heels, floor dynamics (needing energy to balance out the slippery ones or needing to push more when they are sticky/dry) or even comfort of follower.
For instance first tandas scare me and you can tell 😆🫣
Offer the arm or hand to guide to dancefloor. If she doesn't want accept instantly.
Breath together. At start, in between, at the end. Never too much! And please without loud sounds...
Breathe to indicate movement can be nice. Not everyone likes bellybreath, it's a tool.
So you have your fan, it is so nice when you use it for the two of you in small break between songs.
Compliments. (Definitely from both sides!) Like the connection/quality of energy/dress/perfume/earrings/details
…
Just for the sake of it, to make the other feel good, to relax, not necessarily for flirting.
Leaving space to express & be playful, waiting. Tango is no monologue.
Personally when I don't know you and we dance for the first time I don't apprechiate many ganchos. Especially the super aggressive ones (knees are joints that can get hurt) or when it gets messy...
No need to show off/having this much strong contact. *Leader's thigh in follower's crotch is not acceptable!* Better give the lady room to express and choose the level of closeness she wants for upper body and lower extremities.
Embrace can have different qualities, but never a rigid cage.
If the lady wants, hold her at the end of tanda. Never a cage-like hold (especially when she already gives subtle signs of wanting out, let it be)! Maybe the woman needs space to collect herself. Me for instance need time to breath, cool down, fix dress/hair. I know it can break a connection. That right afterwards can be established again.
If follower says floor is slippery/she says she is tired please adapt a bit.
I love it to be offered the arm to walk back. More for bigger venues/marathon setting.
Talk to each other more. Before or after tandas or in between songs. A way to connect also through words.
Don't take perceived rejection personal.
Tango can be cruel. Go to where they accept you, never on purpose put you down and in best case celebrate you. 🥳 Find your crowd.
People will talk s* about you anyway. It is a mirror for themselves. Some people are two-faced and act selfish. You know your worth.
Last one: Gentlemen be gentlemen towards each other. No need to show dominance or neglect by invading the others space in the ronda.
To see a man waiting to be allowed in the ronda & the other accepting, I always find it so pleasent. Apologizing with signals for little accidents (immediate or if not possible after the tanda) and laughing about it, I find it so attractive.
-> Have decent behaviour. To summarize ☺️
-------
Here are the unpleasant things, some examples:
Crossing lines like touching breasts or butt is no option. Obviously. But also a VERY low hand that reaches lower back/beginning of butt.
Listen to non-verbal signs... Follower is getting heavy to make you wait, getting lighter or more in cranial direction to indicate needing more lightness. If she does not do a move, adapt to it and not keep repeating because she did not 'understand'. Maybe she didn't want to (like mentioned in case with ganchos).
It's not forbidden of course but if she speaks up verbally indicating she is/her feet are tired please adapt. Maybe during the dance she finds back her energy but don't rush into super energetic/strong lead. (Different followers need different leads, happens that men lead super strong because their less experienced followers need it, also personal preferences. But never ever push so joints get in danger of being hurt 🫣)
Please do never talk about how close is your hotel room. Just don't.
Never ever correct verbally in milonga. We all know that.
Big kisses directly on the cheek can be too much (while greeting or after tanda) and not received well when they are forced.
I would avoid to check the cleavage and then compliment the necklace. Appears creepy.
Avoid 'compliments' like 'You look good enough to bite into' or directly ask: 'Where can I bite you?'. It's giving creep also.
Don't create drama or avoid a person only because your ego was hurt. We can oftentimes still say Hi, also without necessary hugging.
Final notes:
We as women take ourselves dancing & love to dance with you. So we all can work towards a pleasant experience for everyone.
Would love to hear your opinions & would love also the leaders' perspective. Public in the comments or pm.
It can be dangerous to give people the benefit of a doubt, if you felt uncomfortable please talk to a Tango friend or organizer and if you want to the person. Ask them if they want to understand & give a chance for repair.
I heard that f.e. instance in France is a strong feminist movement so that men feel scared to even do things like offer the arm to walk back to avoid crossing boundaries. I support this movement AND at the same time would love to have a careful way to treat each other without 'fear of each other'.
Sometimes it is so subtle and hard to put in words the feeling when a men is crossing the line but addressing the issue can help.
I had cases where men did not behave like gentlemen, I made the offer to explain and in the end it was out of the world/better.
I believe we all make mistakes and we can learn from them. Sometimes you are truly not aware of these things. And sometimes you are and decide to behave that way anyway. There are men that love women. There are men who hate women.
Take care 🎀
*Because a real man is gentle and knows how to lead.
He knows what he wants & has self-control. 😉😘
Sent from my iPhone
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