November 07,08 & 09/2008

Jorge Nel biography

Jorge Nel Giraldo was born in 1956 and made his artistic debut when he was 8 years old. His endeavors span more than 30 years and reflect his love and dedication to dancing and teaching, particularly in his favorite art form, the tango.

From 1976 to 1985, Jorge was instructor-director of physical education at the high school level. In 1978, he founded the Dorada school of Folkloric Dance, where he was director/coordinator until 1985. After completing his formal education, he served as Professor of Theatre Arts in the National Air Force of Colombia.

In 1985, he won the first National Tango Championship in one of the most popular festivals in Colombia: "La Feria de Manizales."A year later, he came to the United States under contract for the company "Martin Fierro," where he directed a show for three years. In 1990 he founded "El Club Amigos del Tango,” which currently has 1,978 members. He started Florida's first "Tango Dance Academy" in 1992 and from 1992 to 1996 was the organizer of "El Festival Mayor Del Tango."
 

In 1998, in recognition of Jorge's twelve years of excellence in artistic work, Mayor Alex Penelas of Dade County honored him with an award, proclaiming May 15 as "Jorge Nel Giraldo's Day." That same year, he was nominated as an official Member Representative for The National Tango Academy of Argentina in the United States.

In 1999, Jorge appeared as a tango dancer a scene from the motion picture “Random Hearts.” Harrison Ford and Kirsten Scott Thomas starred in the film.

Jorge is considered the pioneer of Argentine Tango in South Florida. He was also instrumental in spreading tango to many parts of the United States, such as Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, Houston, Cleveland, Tucson and many cities throughout Florida, where he led numerous tango dancing seminars. He continues to work in South Florida while traveling to other cities to teach tango. Website :)

Contact Gabriela Rojo at 604 684 4225 or gabrielarojo@shaw.ca

Abrazos de Gabriela