For Better Tango

Commentary on Argentine Tango, from a teacher's perspective

About Gem Duras

Jorge "Gem" Duras has been dancing tango for 26 years and teaching professionally since 2003. In 1990's he studied with the original cast members of the famous show Forever Tango, in particular the legendary Carlos Gavito. He then visited Buenos Aires numerous times to study advanced technique, ballet and stage tango with younger Forever Tango stars Francisco Forquera and Jesus Velazquez, receiving his tango certificate. Over many years he became familiar with the styles of such important and diverse dancers as Mariano "Chicho" Frumboli, Gustavo Naveira, Susana Miller, Javier Rodriguez, Osvaldo Zotto, Norberto "Pulpo" Esbrez, Carlos Rivarola, Juan Carlos Copes, Dana Frigoli and Milena Plebs. As a result he is able to teach and guide the students in various tango styles such as Salon, Milonguero, Nuevo and beyond.

In his classes he emphasizes the "non-verbal communication" and "partner connection" aspect of tango to enable the students to dance with others at local tango events and throughout the world including Buenos Aires. Although he offers choreography and performance classes for more advanced students to train them for weddings, special events and shows, the essence of tango "where the two partners become one" is never forgotten. Gem follows the current trends in tango by visiting Buenos Aires multiple times each year and inviting Argentine guests to the Connecticut Tango Festival, which he organizes annually with Tango Sueño co-founder Dale Ellison.