Most Winnipeggers know Dancing Gabe. Few people encompass the term “local legend” better. 

As of this past June, Gabriel Langlois has been dancing in the crowd at local sporting events for 31 years, meaning many young Winnipeggers have never known a time without him. 

But not everyone knows the story behind Dancing Gabe. 

In the new book Dancing Gabe: One Step at a Time, author Daniel Perron has penned a biography of Gabe that examines his life, including his autism diagnosis at age three, his institutionalization from ages six to 11, and his struggle to learn to speak. 

Of course, the book also explores how Gabe came out of his shell and started dancing at a 1984 Blue Bombers game and how he’s inspired local sports fans ever since. 

“The book has been one year in the making,” Gabe tells The Uniter in his family’s St. Vital home, where they’ve lived since 1969. “(Book signings) are a big part of my life now. It’s been a fantastic experience.” 

Gabe’s mother Angéline Langlois says that his impressive memory played a big part in researching the book. 

“If you want to know anything about dates, you ask Gabe,” she says. “We always say, ‘Gabe is our dictionary.’” 

That memory extends well into his sports fandom. When the University of Winnipeg was mentioned, Gabe instantly recalled the Wesmen women’s basketball team’s 88-game winning streak from the early ’90s. 

 

1) GABE’S BEDROOM 

“I’ve got my Grey Cup tee already!” 

 

2) JERSEY CLOSET 

“I’ve got Jets jerseys, Blue Bombers, Wesmen, Bisons. I’ve got the Grey Cup jersey, a black and silver one.” 

 

3) MANITOBA MOOSE JERSEY 

“Oh, Moose! Can’t forget about the Moose! I’m excited about them. Back for the first time in four years.” 

 

4) LION ARTWORK 

“Glenlawn Collegiate gave me that when they put me on their Wall of Fame.” 

 

5) BOWLING TROPHIES 

“I bowl five and 10 pin.” 

 

6) DANCING WITH CELEBRITIES 2010 TROPHY 

“I did (Dancing with Celebrities) as a fundraiser for charity (the SMD Foundation). Five springs ago they saw my dancing and asked me to do it.”

Published in Volume 70, Number 5 of The Uniter (October 8, 2015)