Dancer
Virulazo
Virulazo was a tango dancer born on 10 October 1926, according to one source [4]. He won a national tango contest with Aída in 1952 [1], later danced with his wife Elvira Santamaría [2], and in 1983 joined the show 'Tango Argentino', which went on to Paris and Broadway [3][2].
Virulazo was a tango dancer whose recorded birth date is 10 October 1926 [4]. He began dancing tango at about 13, in neighbourhood clubs and in Mataderos [1]. He got the nickname 'Virulazo' at around age 18, while playing bocce [2].
In 1952 he and Aída won the national tango contest run by the Águila chocolate company [1]. In 1959 he met Elvira Santamaría again by chance, and the two became dance partners and married [2]. In 1983, at 57 and on Copes's recommendation, he joined the show 'Tango Argentino', which opened in Paris in November of that year [3]. One source places this stage of his career in the tango revival era [2]. The show reached Broadway in 1985 [2], and in 1986 its dancers were nominated for the Tony Award for choreography [2]. Virulazo died on 2 August 1990 [2].
Early life and nickname
Virulazo's birth date is given as 10 October 1926 [4]. One account says he started dancing tango in 1939, at about 13, in neighbourhood clubs and in Mataderos [1].
Around 1944, at about 18, he got the nickname 'Virulazo' while playing bocce [2].
Contests and partnerships
In 1952 Virulazo and a partner named Aída won the national tango contest organised by the Águila chocolate company [1].
In 1959 he met Elvira Santamaría again by chance [2]. They became dance partners and later married [2].
Tango Argentino
In 1983 Virulazo joined the stage show 'Tango Argentino' at the age of 57 [3]. He was recommended by Copes [3]. The show opened in Paris in November 1983 [3]. One source classifies this period of his career under the tango revival [2].
'Tango Argentino' reached Broadway in 1985 [2]. In 1986 the show's dancers were nominated for the Tony Award for choreography [2].
Virulazo died on 2 August 1990 [2].
References
- 1.Biografía de Virulazo · todotango.com
- 2.Virulazo · es.wikipedia.org
- 3.Virulazo: el bailarín de Haedo que conoció la fama mundial · diarioanticipos.com
- 4.Tangopedia staff · tangopedia.app
What we don't know yet4 of 5 known
Whether they lead or follow.
Teaching, a school or milongas they organise? Add them to this profile
Interviewed them? Send the recording as oral history
Data: recordings, facts and sources
Notes15
Starts dancing tango at about 13 in neighbourhood clubs and Mataderos.1939Single source
Around age 18 gets the nickname 'Virulazo' playing bocce.1944Single source
Meets Elvira Santamaría again by chance; they become partners and marry.1959Single source
Joins 'Tango Argentino' at 57, on Copes's recommendation; it opens in Paris in November.1983Single source
'Tango Argentino' reaches Broadway.1985Single source
Dies on 2 August.Aug 2, 1990Single source
Virulazo — described as Virulazo (Bailarín)1980–1989, Aug 2, 1990Single source
Gustavo Naveira — described as VirulazoSingle source
In 1952 he won a tango dance contest organised by the Águila chocolate company with his first wife Aída1952Single source
In 1983 Juan Carlos Copes invited him to audition for the show Tango Argentino, planned for Paris1983Single source
In 1985 Tango Argentino played Broadway and all its dancers were nominated for the Tony Awards for best choreography1985Single source
The nickname Virulazo came when he was 18 and played bochas for money, from an Italian man urging him to throw a virulazo (a hard shot)Single source
His birth name was Jorge Orcaizaguirre, of Basque and (maternal) Italian descentSingle source
He was raised by his grandparents because his parents separated earlySingle source
At the height of Tango Argentino's New York run he refused to dance free of charge at a special morning performance arranged for Henry KissingerSingle source
Won2
Won Wins the national tango contest run by the Águila chocolate company, with Aída.1952Single source
Won The Tango Argentino dancers are nominated for the Tony Award for choreography.1986Single source
Era2
Era revival1983Sources disagree
Era nuevo1980Sources disagree
Born2
Born on October 10, 1926Supported · 2
Virulazo — born on Virulazo (October 10, 1926)Single source
In other catalogues1
Virulazo — external id Virulazo (todotango:creador/180)Single source
Died2
Virulazo — died on Virulazo (August 2, 1990)Single source
Died on August 2, 1990Single source
Birthplace2
Virulazo — born in Virulazo (Haedo (Buenos Aires) Argentina)Single source
Born in HaedoSingle source
Partnered with2
Virulazo — partnered with Virulazo1983Supported · 2
Partnered with Elvira Santamaría1959Single source
Danced at1
Virulazo — danced at Virulazo1940–1949Supported · 2
Dance style1
Virulazo — dance style Virulazo (orillero)Single source
Studied with1
Miguel Angel Zotto — studied with Virulazo1986–1989Single source
Timeline
Oct 10, 1926Born in Haedo, Buenos Aires Province.
1939Starts dancing tango at about 13 in neighbourhood clubs and Mataderos.
1944Around age 18 gets the nickname 'Virulazo' playing bocce.
1952Wins the national tango contest run by the Águila chocolate company, with Aída.
1959Meets Elvira Santamaría again by chance; they become partners and marry.
1983Joins 'Tango Argentino' at 57, on Copes's recommendation; it opens in Paris in November.
1985'Tango Argentino' reaches Broadway.
1986The Tango Argentino dancers are nominated for the Tony Award for choreography.
Aug 2, 1990Dies on 2 August.
Most watched videos
On TangoTube · our data
Bailarines de tango 1940-1980 Bs As parte 12011
Bailarines de tango 1940-1980 parte 22011
The grandfather who became a tango star at 572026
Connected
From TangoTube's videos · our data
Listen
No recordings to play yet.
Ask Tangopedia
Answers only from cited facts, each with its source.