ATHENS, Ga. —UGA Presents is bringing Argentina’s Che Malambo to Athens Feb. 21 for a 7:30 p.m. performance in Hodgson Concert Hall. The percussive dance and music spectacle features an all-male company of gauchos directed by French choreographer and former ballet dancer Gilles Brinas. 

Che Malambo celebrates the unique South American cowboy tradition with live music, powerful footwork, drumming of the bombos (Latin American drums) and high-speed whirling of the boleadoras (lassos with stones on the end). Danced solely by men, the malambo began in the 17th century as competitive duels that would challenge skills of agility, strength and dexterity. Zapeteo, the gaucho’s fast-paced footwork, is inspired by the rhythm of galloping horses in their native Argentina.

Brinas was fascinated by the malambo, so he flew to Bueno Aires to research the dance. Inspired by the talented artists he found there, he created Che Malambo from the best malambo dancers in Argentina. The company debuted in Paris in 2007.

Che Malambo embarked on a three-city U.S. tour in 2013 and in 2015 was invited to perform on the opening night of New York City Center’s annual Fall for Dance series. Since 2016, the company has performed in over 100 cities in 11 countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as four North American tours and extended engagements in London, Berlin, Cologne and Paris. 

Tickets for Che Malambo start at $30 and can be purchased at the Performing Arts Center box office, online at pac.uga.edu or by calling 706-542-4400. A limited number of discounted tickets are available to current UGA students for $10 with a valid UGA ID (limit one ticket per student).

The performance is supported by Charles B. and Lynne V. Knapp.

Hodgson Concert Hall is located in the UGA Performing Arts Center at 230 River Road in Athens.