In the beginning…Latin Ballroom teaching skills

Gary became a College certified Latin-Ballroom Teacher (1979-80) and former Latin-Hustle Champion who has performed solo exhibitions on the CBC and American television stations.

Gary discovers the Argentine Tango -- it was love at first sight.

His extensive tango training started in 1985-86.

His first teachers, Hector Mayoral and Elsa Marie, two stars of the worldwide hit stage show “Tango Argentino” started him on his way with their elegant Salon Tango techniques.

Later he received extensive training with Jose"Pepito Avellaneda" Monteleone learning Pepito's exclusive Milonga style and Pepito’s unique and unorthodox Tango style.

From Wouter Brave and Martine he learned the artistic style of their teacher and mentor the late great Tango Master, Antonio Todaro.

Of course there were many other talented teachers along the way, and Gary’s knowledge base of tango techniques continued to increase.

More teaching skills

Gary also received the Professional Tango Teacher-training Program developed by Tango School Amsterdam to successfully introduce the teaching of Argentine Tango into major cities across Europe.

Contributing to the Toronto Tango Scene

When he started dancing other dancers would ask Tango Gary if he would also show them how to dance Argentine Tango. So Gary contributed to starting the Tango ball rolling in Toronto by teaching Tango classes, organizing Toronto’s first Argentine Tango dance, and started Toronto’s first weekly Tango Tea dance (1996-2000). To further the Toronto Tango community’s education, he organized many Tango workshops for such well-known Tango stars as Mayoral and Elsa Marie, Pepito Avendalla and Suzuki, Dante and Christina, Daniela Arcone, and many workshops featuring Wouter Brave with various professional partners.

Showing the world his love of Tango

Gary’s tango dancing and original choreography has been featured at Molson's International Hispanic Festival, Mr. Tangos "Amigos of Tango", several productions of Tango Vive, CBC, City-TV, Toronto International Caravan, Vacation resorts, various dance clubs, and for numerous other occasions.

Gary created the idea concept and choreography of a short Tango movie "Bus # 9 " that has been shown all over the world.

Extensive teaching experience that you can benefit from

His over 20 years of continuous teaching experience through various locations including the University of Toronto, Ryerson, Centennial, and Seneca Colleges, and Metro Toronto Secondary Schools, various dance clubs, etc., has introduced 1000s of people to the pleasures of dancing. Gary is credited with having taught many of Toronto’s Tango teachers as well as numerous other teachers across Ontario and Quebec.

Some other Highlights contributing to Gary’s teaching knowledge:

- Trained in Latin Dance with Internationally known American DanceChampions Sam Sadano and the late Chuck Banister (80s).

- For many years Gary was a Registered Fitness Appraiser with the Canadian Sports Sciences Association.

- Finalist in Crystalite’s National Aerobics Championships (mid 80’s)

- Selected to introduce and teach “Freedance” the dance fitness program of Flashdance” star Mirane Jahan in Canada.

- Taught Lindy Hop by Lindy Hop legend Frankie Manning, Stephen Mitchell, and various Members of the world famous Rhythm Hot Shots(95-96).

- Directed and choreographed the Toronto Lindy Hoppers and The NorthYork Cabaret Dancers for special entertainment events.

 

Gary’s commitment is to share his experience with you

Learning from his extensive dance experience, Gary has evolved his own unique teaching techniques designed to fast track you onto the dance floor.

He knows what works, --- What doesn’t work, --- What’s necessary to learn and importantly, what’s not necessary to learn.

Gary’s time spent, work done, and experience accumulated to gain his own knowledge is shared with you – so you don’t have to do all that work yourself.

Gary’s commitment is to provide you with all of the necessary skills and techniques you need to know to become a good dancer and a desired dance partner that is a pleasure to dance with.