e was born in Plati, a town in Reggio Calabria, in the south of Italy, but in 1949, due to those unknown things of destiny, he arrived in Buenos Aires when he was around twelve years old and soon he began to hear the tango call. For some time he lived in Mataderos where he learnt his art by frequenting dance halls. His favorite orchestras were Di Sarli, Fresedo and D’Agostino and because of their beat he acquired a classic, elegant way of dancing.

Later, when he wore long trousers, his talent made him appear in a play as a dancer and devoted himself to theater until he joined the Teatro Escuela Fray Mocho in the 50s. Years later he worked in the movies with directors Sergio Leone and Franco Rossi, among others, for the Italian television and in Italian-Argentine co-productions.

Then, at age 34, he moved downtown to a house of his own and since 1980 he has been devoted to teaching. His studio on 2259 Belgrano Avenue was one of the most renowned. Prominent maestros went there: Antonio Todaro, Raúl Bravo and Pepito Avellaneda, just to mention a few.

Saverio Perre used to have a Van Dyke beard that suited his always available smile. He was a gentleman with a short height but who possessed the greatness conferred by humility, that greatness through which tango keeps on shining.

Source: Paz Perre.
The author is instructor, dancer and researcher of tango dance. He is author of the Nuevo glosario de tango danza, La pista del abrazo and Tango FAQs. www.tangosalon.com.ar / info@tangosalon.com.ar