Juan Carlos Stasi

Juan Carlos Stasi may be described as a living encyclopedia of the history and culture of Tango. He was born November 2, 1953, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  At 21, he entered the professional game of soccer, having spent his entire childhood focused on the ball. Then in 1985, after a time of personal growth, he became wrapped up in the world of Argentine Tango.

Carlos Stasi is a sought historian for Argentine Tango, giving interviews about tango’s past and present. His contribution to Argentine tango is recognized by the government of Argentina beginning in 2010. The Legislature of Buenos Aires additionally gave recognition for his commitment to Argentine Tango in 2018. He is the face of milonga Porteno y Bailarin and known for hosting the finest orchestras and performers at his milongas. 

Among his significant early instructors was Carlos Gavito, whose approach to tango was to “make the lady a queen” and to “dance the silence.” Carlos remembers vividly what his friend and tango Godfather said in their long intense conversations together. Before Carlos Gavito passed away, he asked Stasi to continue his method of tango. Gavito remains his inspiration.

Carlos has always loved to teach. He applies himself to this passion. Motivation to share his tango, beginning in 2004 with his then partner, Susanna Guevara was well received in their USA visits. His teaching approach is to identify, for an individual what can be improved, such as taking one’s time, learning to use the pause, listening to and using the music, or of course mastering the embrace. Simple concepts, difficult to achieve.   

Stasi has inspired dancers not only by direct teaching, but by his influence and support of young dancers who he asks to perform at his 22-year milonga, Porteno and Bailarin. It remains fact that eighty percent of these dancers became Tango World Champions and they got their support from men like Juan Carlos Stasi. Often, as was the case in September 2017 he was first to have the world champions perform at his milonga.

His passion for Argentine tango inspires others on their way up. He served several times as a judge at the “Mundial de Tango” championships.  Among those whom Stasi has supported include Leo Ortiz, Yannina Erramuspe, German Vallejos and Magdalena Gutierrez, Roxanna Suarez and Sabastian Achabal, Carla Rossi and Jose Calvo, and Clarisa Aragon and Jonathan Saavedra.

Carlos has been close friends with many Tango personalities whom he shared the “milonguero table”. Flaco Dany, Tete, Pupi Castello, Osvaldo Zotto, and Miguel Zotto are among those with whom he talked for hours about tango. 

Carlos is a preeminent tango historian. For some he is considered an eccentric as his whole world is tango and needs no prompting to talk tango. His personal stories and stories of other central tango figures are not found in books, at least not yet. 

Another important part of this Argentine’s life is acting. He has appeared in “Esto es Tango” “Fermin Tango Glories”, “El Acompañamiento”, “Sol de Otonio”, “Divertango” and “Tango en 78”.  His last play performed in 2021, “Gris de Ausencia,” was often met with tears from the audience. Frequently, without notice, Carlos recites Lunfardo Poetry, and has been, and continues to be Master of Ceremonies for tango events.

Juan Carlos Stasi has given his life to tango. Interviews on various tango topics are requested for those interested in his encyclopedic knowledge. In 2020 he and his wife, Joan Vitale, offered TANGO EXPANSION, a weekly presentation on tango Lyrics, Lunfardo, composers, writers, orchestras, and his lived tango experience. In 2022, Stasi, with his wife, toured again USA and Europe to bring his passion for tango and his love for the Argentine culture.