What We Missed With the Gustavo Naveira and Giselle Anne Incident

After recording this video, Giselle Anne posted a public response regarding the incident at the Gavito Tango Festival in Los Angeles.

Below is her full response as we didn't have an opportunity to comment on it during this video.

Dear Tango Community,

I am deeply saddened by the situation that occurred at the Gavito Tango Festival. It pains me that the event unfolded in this manner. This incident has temporarily overshadowed the brilliance of a wonderful festival.
I would like to express my most sincere gratitude for all the support I received from the organizers of the festival (Dennis and Tanya) as well the team of teachers. I am very grateful for all the encouragement and solidarity I have received through countless public and private messages. I am also fortunate to have unconditional love and understanding from our family.
Without trying to justify what happened, I must point out that behind this disgraceful behavior, there are underlying issues that escape general perception, as well as others that, although visible, can be misinterpreted. I feel great sorrow about our performance, and I am truly sorry, for not meeting the expectations of our large global audience.
I was not aware of the degree to which we had become a standard and inspiration for so many, and it hurts me that this incident has served to reveal our imperfect human nature, which is far from divine or idealized.
Over the course of three decades, we have dedicated our lives to tango. As a result of such passion, our work is not just a profession, but rather an integral part of us. Tango is our essence, the axis around which our existence revolves. Without it, we feel deprived of identity and purpose.
The prestige and respect that our dance partnership has cultivated throughout all these years seems to have been destroyed in a matter of minutes. What pains me most is not the damage to our public image, but rather the disappointment we have caused to those who have trusted and admired us. I am distressed that something so unimaginable became a shocking reality for so many.
There are times when we must separate the “person” from the “maestro”. This was not a premeditated act carried out with malice or bad intention (who would want to punish themselves?). Nor was it a show of “machismo” or a display of power, much less an act of gender violence. This was the result of a personal and private problem that Gustavo sincerely promises to address seriously and immediately over the coming months.
I thank you immensely for your compassion during this difficult time. In the face of challenges and adversity, your positivity reaffirms the strength and unity of our tango community.
With heartfelt appreciation and hope for your understanding,

Giselle Anne

The 2024 Gavito Tango Festival in LA was a spectacular event filled with 700+ Tango Dancers in the Beautiful and Charming Biltmore Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.

This international event attracts some of the top talent from around the world including a star studded cast of teachers and performers.

Saturday, October 5th 2024 will unfortunately be a moment that not soon be forgotten as we witnessed a Tango Legend in Gustavo Naveira lose his cool on the dancefloor and was ultimately asked to leave the festival.

We were at the event and here is our perspective


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About Left Foot Right Foot (LFRF):

The intention of Left Foot Right Foot is to provide insight on all forms of dance with a particular focus on Argentine Tango as both of us are Tango Dancers who have more than a decade of dancing experience.