Yes, a true lovely choreographed. Now, the back-story on what it is missing:
Carlos Saura begged Maria Nieves to appear in this film, for he meant it as a tribute to Copes and Nieves. At the time, it was too soon after Juan dumped her to dance with his daughter. She would have none of helping him out again - if I may put it that way. (They later did re-unite for a tour, thank goodness). The woman who danced in the film is obviously lovely. She copied Nieves' part so well. But anyone who saw Nieves dance this signature number of theirs is not being picky by saying no one else is quite as good in this piece. It was hers for 40 years. The last few years, she kept Juan from forgetting; from spreading his legs too far as he does here, etc. (She matched him perfectly in size and they were intimate since 1952 or so). No one could STAND on the stage and look so perfect - let alone walk - as Maria does. There are many reasons why she is a legend. None of it b.s. or personal opinion. Just look at how history is treating her. I hope she will forgive me for hinting at personal knowledge. Juan, too. How I love them. The first tango I ever saw was this Cumparsita by them as I sat in the third row in the theatre. Over the next 5 months, I watched them do it 42 times. ALWAYS she was perfect. She became my sister-in-law for a few years and took me close and gave me more than she will ever know. I think she does that to everyone in her way. But, if you know her personally, you get touched by the gods in a special way, surely. Mostly, she showed her perfect stage and public posture and that is what we have all seen. Privately, she showed her imperfect posture and you felt that was perfect, too; for airs and pretenses she never bothered with. Three sisters were the only women Copes ever danced with before his lovely daughter Johanna grew up and became his partner. The two younger sisters, Maria and Cristina, will tell you their older sister Niata was the best. She didn't go professional; but the other two became part of the legend. When Nieves and Copes divorced in the early 60's, Cristina was Juan's partner for two years. Then Maria came back and Cristina resumed her preferred role in the company (Copes Tango Revue). But, you should see HER dance. Maria a few years younger. These people of whom I speak introduced me to tango and I know it changed my life in part because THEY were tango for me. I feel the same swoon when I recall their smile and the way they move as I do when I hear a bandoneon. Well - just to say: If you want to see that Cumparsita and call it True Tango, you want to find a version of Copes and Nieves. Then you can use all superlatives. And I would add that I wish people outside of professional circles had some awareness of Cristina (professional name Cristina Rey). She never wanted the spotlight. But she deserved it every bit as much as Maria. She joined the Copes company when she was 14 and did the hard work of training all the new people who came in for the next 30 years. I met many of them over the years. Gavito's first partner as a professional was Cristina, for instance. Perhaps her's is one of the greatest tango dancer stories never told. _______________________________________________ Tango-L mailing list [email protected] http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/tango-l
