By Honorary Reporter Laura Cristina Lopez Velazquez from Mexico

Gustavo Alvarez (right) and Talia Gorla (left) appears in the Korean drama "Eve," which debuted in June this year. (Gustavo Alvarez)

The K-drama "Eve," which aired from June this year on the Korean cable channel TVN, showed tango. Because of the magnificent dance scenes, I held video interviews on June 24 and 28 with the two Argentines appearing in the series.

In the first episode was Gustavo Alvarez, 33, from Monte Grande, and Talia Gorla, 35, a native of Cordoba who appeared as a double. They lived in Korea from December last year to July this year.

The following are excerpts from the interviews.

I held video interviews with Gustavo Alvarez and Talia Gorla in June. (Laura Cristina Lopez Velazquez)

How did you start in tango?

Alvarez: I first grew interested in dance at age 12, when I saw my sister and my cousin do a folk dance. At 17, I began to dance tango part time and pursued it professionally two years ago. 

Gorla: My approach to dance was through Latin dances like salsa, merengue and cha-cha-cha. Later, I learned classical, contemporary and Argentine folk dance; the last dance of my country that I learned was tango. As I grew older, I wanted to explore more about dance.

Gustavo Alvarez wears traditional Korean clothing. (Gustavo Alvarez)

How did you get to know about Korea?

Alvarez: I had a Korean friend in Argentina, so I always wanted to learn more about Korea. She helped me explore the culture and try Korean food.

Gorla: My arrival in Korea was my first contact with the country and I was pleasantly surprised. Previously, I had been to China and Japan only, so I came to Korea with no expectations.

How did you get cast in the drama 'Eve?'
Alvarez and Gorla: While working in Turkey, we contacted the owner of a dance academy in Korea that usually brings dancers from Argentina. She asked us to come teach tango in Korea and perform in shows. Later, the drama's production team ask the academy if we could appear in the drama since a Latin American was needed.

How was it like working in the drama?

Alvarez: I thought the series was focused on Korea only, so I was quite surprised to hear of its attempt to incorporate Latin dance. For a scene in the first episode, I learned the choreography in two days but it took me a month to perfect it. We had to rehearse a lot and emulate (lead actor) Seo Ye-ji's movements since she's not a professional dancer. It was difficult to predict her movements.

Gorla: My participation was very brief; I was Seo's double on the day the first episode was filmed and did tricks and lifts. But in the end, she nearly mastered the choreography and did the movements herself. I know that Koreans are so proud of their culture, so I was extremely surprised that tango appeared in the drama.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.