The artists of Che Malambo performed a fun, exhilarating and energetic set of dances at the Haugh Performing Arts Center.
The all male, Argentine based company danced with their bombos (Argentine drums) and boleadoras (lassos with stones onthe end) that sounded like a heavy rainfall.
The performance’s theme seemed to be man vs. nature with sets of dances depicting the ocean, rivers and rain.
Many times there was a feeling of call and response; they challenged and encouraged each other.
The audience was constantly applauding and calling out cheers to the gauchos (South American cowboys).
They started loud and energetic then took their boots off and danced quietly.
Then the juxtaposition of the quiet and the loudness could be felt with a thudding heartbeat.
The group also danced to a sweet-sounding acoustic guitar,singing an endearing lullaby in Spanish that was followed by a power ballad.
Towards the end of the performance they looked at the audience and smiled like “just you wait.”
The dancers came out in full force with their drums and boleadoras for the grand finale.
They were always having fun with the call and response of the dance.
The Malambo dancers gave each other high-fives and looked like they had brotherly love flowing between them.
The audience laughed at the gauchos’ attitude and gave a standing ovation.
Gilles Brinas, their choreographer, created the concept, staging,musical composition, and brought the dancers together.
The program said “Brinas was inspired by the talented artists he found in Buenos Aries and wasmoved to create the company Che Malambo from the best Malambo dancers in Argentina.”
For more information about Che Malambo, their website is http://www.chemalambolive.com/
