However large or small, our tango communities benefit for a long time when a
particular Porteño teacher(s) comes through a few times for EXTENDED IF
POSSIBLE periods and influences through sheer personality and artistry.
It's much harder to grow without the emotional contact with a special person
or couple with this power. Magnetic personalities sharing authentic
knowledge - and making it fun - help you to get traction.
It's interesting that Hernán Obispo managed to make his mark on the two
biggest tango cities outside of NYC in North America, even though in the
larger picture he was as yet in the "unknown" stage of his career. (All this
without technically having a true partner - but beautiful young Mariana
Dragone was gracious enough to help him for a couple of years and she also
has a warm personality people are attracted to).
Hernán was better known in Buenos Aires and Western Europe. This would have
been easy to build on, because he had settled down with his new wife in
France (he intended to be with his father and work in Buenos Aires for half
each year at least). His teaching renown was growing fast, and people found
him entirely accessible and dedicated. He had formally studied HOW to teach.
It showed.
After Hernán came to town, you got him back as soon as you could.
When you finished dancing, afternoon or night, he kept the party of life
going. He wasn't just there to give you a class. It seemed he was there to
celebrate life with you - with everyone. And he wasn't doing it as an excuse
to "party."
His foothold in North America was Montréal. This email points you to a piece
about him in San Francisco as well.
Montréal is a big tango city, but I will tell you what not many people know
...
One of our best weekly milongas takes place on Sunday night at La Academia.
The reason for the success today (160 dancers on a good night) is the
combination of: the quality music of Michel Auzat; the nice dance space;
good location; no competition and - Hernán Obispo in 1998.
The Academy was struggling when it started up, as places do. Hernán was here only a few
weeks (!), but he brought the people out (you just liked to be
around him). His classes gave the Academy credibility, and his social dynamism made the milongas and practicas a place to be. At this point 4 years later, it looks like it could go on
forever - as long as Michel or an equally good dj is there for the milonga nights. Thanks to owner Santiago Gimenez for bringing Hernán repeatedly.
So, Hernán the radiant of positive energy attracted it also to a place that
flourishes now, but without him very likely could have been stillborn. His
personality drew.
That milonga is a big part of the tango scene in a city that is the envy of
other cities.
On the personal level, there are dozens of dancers here who will name Hernán
as their favourite teacher/tango person. The Québecois he loved got their
lessons from Hern·n largely in French as he made return visits. He always
showed he cared and quickly learned the language.
Well, he has a proud legacy in Montréal.
When I came to Montréal in 1999, I took classes and privates with Hernán,
then extolled his obvious virtues to anyone who would listen. Hern·n was
then invited to Minneapolis (thank you Frank) and to San Francisco, at the
behest of Stella Ling.
Here are all these emails the last few days coming to your inbox about
someone you have never heard of. You recognize that he was obviously
important to some people. I wanted to share with you the why.
And I wish for every city a deep, repeating contact with an inspiring
teacher such as Hernán
(dear Pepito Avellaneda - with Suzuki - was the first to bless MontrÈal and
leave a rich legacy).
Stella has written a beautiful memoir of Hernán that also reveals something of
the Argentino nature we appreciate.
Certainly I'm not telling you anything you don't know ... just re-enforcing
the truism: we need the help of the wise Porteños who dance and teach with a
bountiful love for life and people. When you connect in a special way with
such a one - use what they have to offer. That's what they are about. And
your local market will grow more than it ever would have without them.
I'm dying to mention a few names ... but that would be unjustly unfair to
others.
I wish so much that you had known Hernán Obispo.
Hernán Obispo y Mariana Dragone
