The legendary dancer and Mexican-American vedette, Yolanda Yvonne Montes Farrington, artistically known as Tongolele, passed away at the age of 93 this Monday, leaving an indelible legacy in Latin American cinema.
Her unmistakable style, characterized by sensual movements and a magnetic presence, made her an icon of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema and a figure admired throughout Latin America, especially in Cuba, where her impact was significant and where she lived for three years.
Unlike other vedettes of the time, Tongolele did not sing, but her magnetism on stage was enough to hypnotize the audience.
She danced with Caribbean and African rhythms, merging the dance with a mysticism that made her unique.
Born on January 3, 1932, in Spokane, Washington, United States, Tongolele displayed a passion for dance from an early age.
With Mexican heritage from his father, Elmer Sven Montes, and American roots from his mother, Edna Pearl Farrington, he joined the San Francisco International Ballet before emigrating to Mexico at the age of 15.
Her debut at the famous Tívoli cabaret in Mexico City catapulted her to fame, turning her into a phenomenon of exotic dance with a style that fused African, Tahitian, and Caribbean rhythms.
The Impact of Tongolele in Cuba
In 1951, Tongolele traveled to Havana, Cuba, hired to perform at the National Theatre and the iconic Tropicana cabaret, where her performance dazzled the Cuban audience.
Her show "The Panther Goddess," with musical arrangements by Bebo Valdés, became a resounding success, and the Cuban press dubbed her "the dancer with the serious face and the smiling hips."
Her presence on the island left a profound mark on the Cuban artistic scene and on the history of cabaret in the region.
She was a great friend of Celia Cruz.
The legendary Benny Moré dedicated a song titled "Mangolele," in which the renowned musician popularized the refrain "I like the Tongolele more."
During her stay in Cuba, the dancer collaborated with local artists and became deeply involved in the world of cabaret and Afro-Cuban dance, which enriched her dance style and artistic expression.
During his stay on the island, he even posed to promote Cristal beer.
A Cuban Love: Marriage with Joaquín González
Tongolele's connection to Cuba was not limited to the professional sphere.
In 1956, she married the Cuban musician Joaquín González, nicknamed "The Wizard of the Drum" for his mastery of the tumbadora and other percussion instruments.
The couple had two twin children and remained together until González's passing in 1996.
Her relationship with the Cuban musician strengthened her connection to the island and to Caribbean music, a key element in her artistic journey.
Career of Tongolele in film and television
Tongolele's talent transcended cabaret and dance, leading her to film and television.
In 1948, she made her big screen debut with "La mujer del otro," followed by "Nocturno de amor" and "Han matado a Tongolele," where her name alone was enough to lead a film.
He participated in 31 Mexican films, notably in "El rey del barrio" alongside Germán Valdés (Tin Tan) and "Había una vez un marido" with Pedro Infante.
In the 1980s, he ventured into television, participating in productions such as "La pasión de Isabela," "Salomé," and "Teatro follies."
His versatility also allowed him to venture into musical theater with "Perfume de Gardenia," and in his later years, he created sculptures and paintings that were displayed in galleries.
Tongolele was recognized throughout her career with various awards, including the Agustín Lara medal for her artistic career and a tribute for her 65 years of career at the Teatro de la Ciudad "Esperanza Iris" in 2012.
In 2015, she withdrew from public life after being diagnosed with senile dementia. In 2021, her family reported that she was suffering from Alzheimer's.
The death of Tongolele adds to other significant recent losses in the fields of cinema and music in Mexico.
On November 28, actress Silvia Pinal passed away and this past Monday the popular singer Paquita la del Barrio also passed away at the age of 77.
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