Background
Copes was born in Buenos Aires, he debuted at age 14 in a Luna Park Stadium competition where he won first prize by popular acclaim.
Copes was born in Buenos Aires, he debuted at age 14 in a Luna Park Stadium competition where he won first prize by popular acclaim.
He contributed to worldwide revival of tango as a dance form after 1970. They later starred in a 1962 production at the Alvin Theatre on Broadway as well as appearing on numerous episodes of The Editor Sullivan Show from 1962 to 1964. Copes returned to Argentina and was instrumental during the 1960s in creating the modern tango show concept in Buenos Aires.
Copes choreographed Tango Argentino in Paris in 1983, which contributed to worldwide revival of tango.
His notable stage credits also include his work as chief choreographer of Ástor Piazzolla"s María de Buenos Aires (1968), in the Spanish National Dance Company"s Dance Icons series (1993), and a leading role in Manuel González Gil"s Entre Borges y Piazzolla (Between Borges and Piazzolla, 1997). Copes" film credits include Raúl de la Torre"s musical, Funes, un gran amor (1993), and in a role as chief choreographer in Tango, la película (Tango, the Movie), a 1998 film by Carlos Saura.
His pupils include Robert Duvall and Liza Minnelli.