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María Nieves Rego, Tango Argentino Co-Creator, Dies at 91

other · 2026-05-06

María Nieves Rego, who co-created the worldwide stage hit "Tango Argentino," has died at 91. With her dance partner and former husband Juan Carlos Copes, she formed a duo often compared to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Despite a painful personal relationship, they sparked a tango revival in Argentina that spread globally. Her death was reported by The New York Times on May 5, 2026.

Key facts

  • María Nieves Rego died at age 91.
  • She co-created the stage production "Tango Argentino."
  • Her dance partner and former husband was Juan Carlos Copes.
  • The duo was described as the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers of tango.
  • They helped spark a tango revival in Argentina that went worldwide.
  • Their personal relationship was often painful.
  • The news was reported by The New York Times on May 5, 2026.

Entities

Artists

  • María Nieves Rego
  • Juan Carlos Copes

Institutions

  • The New York Times
  • ArtsJournal

Locations

  • Argentina

Sources