“Strictly Gavito” – Classes & Workshops

Pre-milonga classes Friday August 4, 2003 and workshops Saturday August 5, 2003 at Dance Blvd 1824 Hillsdale Avenue, San Jose, CA.

Jonathan Yamauchi learned his tango in Buenos Aires and has studied intensely with Carlos Gavito from late 2000 until Gavito’s passing in mid-2005.  In early 2005, Gavito shared with Jonathan that he would be a good representative for his style in the US, but he needed a dance partner. In 2006, Jonathan met Olivia Levitt shortly after her retirement from the world of professional ballet, and subsequently trained Olivia in Gavito’s salon milonguero (apilado) style of tango.  Olivia subsequently studied with Gavito’s last two dance partners, Marcella Duran and Maria Plazaola.

Together, Jonathan y Olivia (as they are branded) have taught tango milonguero style workshops in various tango communities throughout the US, and also in Canada and Europe.

In honor of Gavito, Jonathan y Olivia will teach a series of Gavito classes and workshops at Dance Blvd. titled “Strictly Gavito” featuring two pre-milonga classes on Friday, August 4, 2003 followed by three Gavito workshops on Saturday, August 5, 2003.  Jonathan y Olivia’s “Strictly Gavito” workshops are for skilled tango dancers, who would like to learn from one who actually studied intensely with Gavito in Buenos Aires (Note: Many of the stage dancers teaching at the Gavito Festival in LA, never studied with Gavito.)

Friday “Strictly Gavito” Pre-milonga Classes August 4, 2003

Pre-milonga Class I: All levels – Gavito’s micro-ocho to mordida into an off-axis carousel with exit variations. This class will also include a brief summary of advanced level walking technique, moving from vertical to forward axis, spinal alignment, technique and body mechanics of the milonguero/apilado embrace.

Pre-milonga Class II: Advanced Int. to Advanced levels – Double lapis into parada, with stylized exit from the parada moving to a change of direction and into Gavito’s “Bull Fighter” lead and follow of the molinete with variations on close.

Saturday “Strictly Gavito” Workshops August 5, 2003

Advanced Int. to Advanced Levels

STRICTLY GAVITO I – Learn Gavito’s signature moves including Gavito’s Spiral Cross (the most beautiful and elegant cross in tango), Gavito style boleos, barridas and variations.  This workshop will begin with a brief summary of advanced level walking technique, moving from vertical to forward axis, spinal alignment, technique and body mechanics of the milonguero/apilado embrace.

To quote Gavito: "To dance slowly and beautifully is the most difficult tango to dance well." This is because it requires excellent walking technique and balance to beautifully execute slow and sensual movements in the salon-milonguero-apilado style--which incorporates the most sensual and intimate styles of close embrace Argentine tango.

In Gavito’s later years, he reduced his movements to an advanced level of simplistic elegance.  Jonathan studied in Buenos Aires with Gavito during the last 4 1/2 years of his life. Together, Jonathan y Olivia will share the technique necessary to execute Gavito’s movements that were experienced by many and mastered by few.

STRICTLY GAVITO II –  Gavito said: "You can't teach the feeling". Jonathan y Olivia will teach you the technique that will give you the key to experience the feeling of being in another euphoric dimension while dancing even the most complex of Gavito's movements. 

Transcending from Salon (vertical axis) to Milonguero (forward axis) to Apilado (off axis) and back to forward or vertical axis in the sensual Gavito style of tango; Dancing the pauses; and contrasting masculine lead with elegant feminine follow; dancing the follower to six steps to leaders single step; walking on the dark side into Apilado, and technique to slowly and beautifully utilize cross walking into and exiting the cross.

STRICTLY GAVITO III – More advanced level movements not to be missed! Learn the body mechanics and technique to create and utilize torsion and balance to beautifully execute an advanced level lead and follow of the triple lapis with enrosque followed by Gavito’s elegant lead of the salon molinetes known as “The Bull Fighter”.

Call Dance Blve to register: 408.264.9393 or Contact Olivia Levitt for additional information and/or private lessons 650.834.5658