Dancing Gabe One Step at a Time

by Daniel Perron

He was born in 1963, diagnosed with autism at the age of three, institutionalized at six, and non-verbal until he was ten. He moved back home at eleven, graduated from high school seven years later, and eventually became one of the most recognized and adored figures in a city of almost a million people.But his story could have been so different, were it not for those who helped him along the way. Every time little Gabe wandered from home, someone brought him back. One cold night, when he wandered away from the institution, someone saved his life. A few years later, he found himself in a special needs class with a very special teacher who eventually brought him back home, to stay, for good, and to thrive. And when he faced bullying, his brothers came to his defence.Anyone who has attended major sporting events in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has seen Gabriel Langlois—Dancing Gabe—in action, rocking, twisting, hi-fiving, and cheering on the home teams. It’s difficult to imagine how, as a child he never liked noise and would put his hands over his ears whenever he heard any noise.In One Step at a Time, Daniel Perron takes us on a fifty-two year journey, up-close and personal, with Gabe Langlois, his mother Angélina, his family, the many friends, medical professionals, foster parents, and media and sports figures who influenced his life. His story will inspire you; parts will make you laugh, others will make you cry, and still others may shock you.This book is a unique collage of interviews, excerpts from Gabe’s own scribbler, family photos and recent action shots, with many parts told by Gabe and Gabe’s mother, and many of Gabe’s supporters and biggest fans.Hear the music, feel his passion, and dare to get up and groove with Dancing Gabe.“Gabe has had a very fulfilling life. He’s never shown any limitations and he’s provided hope to all of us by what he’s accomplished, by overcoming challenges, and just by how he is—a wonderful human being, sweet.”—Sam Katz, president and owner of the Goldeyes, and former Winnipeg mayor

304 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2015

Reviews

[Dave Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is likely that, as a reader, my experience of this book will share a similar sentiment with other Winnipegers and sports fans- I know who Dancing Gabe is (of course), I see him at the games, and have passed by him on a few occasions. But as for Gabe the individual, I knew very little of his story.

Daniel Perron offers us a heartfelt look inside the life of this iconic Winnipeg resident and sports symbol. Much of his story is certainly laden with hardship, but it is never difficult to find a page in his story that will leave you with a smile on your face.

In talking about Gabe, Andrew Collier (Gold Eyes General Manager) says, "I am convinced that Gabre never sets out thinking, "I'm going to be the show." It's never about him."

This captures the spirit of Gabe's story, at once an inspiring story of living (and thriving) with the challenges of autism, but also reflective of a deeply spiritual journey. This story is not just the story of Gabe, but of those whose lives intersect with his, including those who embodied (and embody) the sort of sacrifice that Gabe would come to symbolize as a true sports fan for our city.

If you are a fan of the Bombers, the Goldeyes or the Jets, this story will likely hit that much louder of a note. But if you are simply a Winnipeger, or anyone for that matter, Gabe's story from humble and tough beginnings to public inspiration will find a connection far beyond the sports community.

[K A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even I, non sports fan that I am, know about Gabe, the ‘Peg’s resident super fan. Little did I know that Dan Perron’s book would be chock full of things I love. It’s a story and there’s a hero. Actually, there are many heroes. There certainly are underdog moments. It’s a study of personalities and of autism, with a dash of dance. As a person who lived with traits along the autism spectrum in the 1960s, Gabriel Langlois could have been condemned to a much bleaker fate and existence. However, he had powerful people on his side, people not powerful in any sense of the word that one would expect, though. He had, and has, the unconditional love of his family, a nun named Sister Georgette and his foster family, the Boissys. Key among these people were three strong women, his mother Angelina (an angel in the true sense of the word), Sister Georgette and Gabe’s foster mother Edith. (Foster mother? Why! You’ll have to read the book!) Perron, in easy to read prose, details Gabe’s early life in Winnipeg. Perron’s research and interview skills come to the fore throughout the book, as he guides the reader through explanations of autism and of a life with Gabe as a young non-communicative child, both frustrated and frustrating, and of his family’s reactions and ways of coping with a high maintenance youngster in the midst of a large family of children. Fear not, however! Gabe, with the concerted efforts of everyone, including himself, learns many skills along the way to adulthood and is even given his own voice as Perron quotes Gabe from his archive of scribbler diary entries. Perron effectively uses many techniques to paint his portrait of Gabe, cutting back and forth in time, and one is easily drawn into Gabe’s world and is easily drawn to Gabe Langlois. Read on to learn how Gabe takes his loves of both sports and of dancing like nobody’s watching and mashes them up to create his niche in the ‘Peg as the city’s most recognizable sports fan. What comes through is that Gabe, even in his struggles with social interactions, has also become a winning guy with a sunny disposition who smiles at everyone (no playing favourites here), even though, as someone living with autistic traits, he may not “know” how to process deep emotional feelings like neural typical people should know how to process them. As Perron writes, Gabe Langlois brings out the best in people, seemingly without the requisite skills to do so, but also seemingly with little effort.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book it was very well written, you could tell a lot of research was done on Gabe. It was nice to see into the life of a Winnipeg sports icon, it helps you to understand why he does what he does "dance". Gabe's mother in my eyes was a saint! She must of had nerves of steel. Enjoyed the book from cover to cover. Thank you Dan for taking the time to research and write this great book about Gabe. Anyone who has ever seen Gabe at any sports event should take the time to read his story!

[Anna-Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read about the life of one of Winnipeg's beloved icons. His mother Angelina, who features prominently in the book, passed away a few weeks ago. Just last week it was announced that Gabe will be receiving his own "bobble head" this summer. In spite of all the challenges he's encountered, he's been a true ambassador for sport… and for positivity!

[Chris Brasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book. Gabe's life is a great story and Daniel has written it very well. This story reminds me of the saying "it's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."
It always lifts your spirits when you see Gabe dancing in the crowd at Winnipeg sports!

[Helga Grose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provided wonderful insights into the life behind the man we (in Winnipeg) all know as Dancing Gabe. He has become such an integral part of this city. I'm happy he and his family allowed this book to be written so that others could learn more about him.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a heartwarming, encouraging example of how a man with autism can become a beloved member of the community, though not without tremendous support and resources (especially as a child).
Great to learn more about such a Winnipeg icon!

[Dorothy Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book. Gabe is such a great ambassador for Winnipeg! He is an icon. I'm so pleased that Daniel wrote this book and that Gabe allowed his story to be told. Thank you to both of you.
My book club has chosen to discuss this book for at our September meeting

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read! I really enjoyed learning more about Dancing Gabe, and what a genuinely nice human being he is.

[Sabrina R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heart warming read. It will make you smile, choke back tears and laugh out loud. Definitely a title every Winnipegger should read.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost if you know who Dancing Gabe is you really ought to read this book. At times sad, it was a very interesting journey to read about. Gabe Langlois is a Winnipeg staple, one of the great people in this big weird city.

The only critiques I have of this book are organizational choices of the author, the order they chose to tell the story. The last few pages could have been distributed throughout the book as well. I appreciate their time spent with the Langlois family and with Gabe in particular but I felt at times the author self-referenced too often. There are also phrases and vocabulary that feel a tad repetitive.

I appreciated the stylistic choice of the author to include photographs in addition to excerpts from Gabe's journal or quotes from people who knew him. It created a scrap-book feeling. I would recommend this book to any Winnipegger who has seen Dancing Gabe doing his thing at any sports venue in the city.

[Kristy Holfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a sports fan and a Winnipeger, I grew up watching Dancing Gabe at all the games. It was heart warming to read his life’s story. He is an inspiration! Highly recommend it to people who know who he is and want to understand him a little more.

[Jen Haynes · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s was ok. I struggled to finish it. It’s worth a read if you can relate.