Argentinian dancer and choreographer Juan Carlos Copes died at the age of 89, due to complications related to Covid-19, his family announced.
"Everything happened so fast. My father passed away. He will always shine among the stars and in the history of tango," his daughter Johana Copes announced on Facebook. Copes contracted coronavirus last December.
The dancer, born on May 31, 1931 in Buenos Aires, was famous for creating a whole different style of tango and taking this popular dance to the biggest international theaters.
Copes formed with his wife Maria Nieves a legendary Tango duo. They married in 1964, and separated in 1973, but they kept dancing together until 1997.
His daughter Johana followed his steps and was his dance partner for over around 20 years, before he retired in 2015.
"He shone on Broadway. He was applauded all over Europe. He made an unforgettable couple with Maria Nieves and performed unique shows," said Argentina's culture ministry after his death.
Protango Argentina, a prominent local dancing association also paid tribute to the great dancer, describing him as the "tango legend that taught generations of artists, and was known for his creative tango shows around the world."
