Malevo Dance Company (Argentina)
Artistic Director – Matias Jaime
The Argentine dance ensemble "Malevo" will bring gaucho cowboy dances and music to Russia. A global sensation, the Malevo male dance troupe from Argentina, accompanied by a live orchestra, will present the tradition of malambo cowboy dance and gaucho music to the local audience. From the busy streets of Russian cities, we will be transported to the harsh landscapes of the country of cattle breeders. Virtuoso playing of percussion instruments and dancing with elements of flamenco, tango and Irish tap dancing will create an incendiary show unlike anything we know.
Malambo is a traditional dance that South American cowboys have passed down from generation to generation, from older to younger. After a long day in the saddle, in the evening around the campfire they would arrange, as they would say now, dancing "battles". Initially, malambo was performed solo, but over time it became a duel dance. Argentine gauchos honed their movements to perfection to entertain, compete, and delight their fellow dancers.
Looking at the dancing malambos, you immediately notice the smooth movements, strength and bravado of his performers. The chest is pushed forward, the body is tense and ready to jump, the legs stomp quickly and vigorously, like the hooves of horses, according to the legend that once inspired this dance. The dancers' long black hair, similar to a horse's mane, flutters behind their backs as the men compete one-on-one in performing rhythmic and complex dance steps. During the course of the show, you can notice the influence of various dance traditions that came from distant countries. And after going through the history of Argentina and its trade relations, you will realize that the Malambo dance language is really not accidental. From the rhythms of the Portuguese slave trade (which gave rise to capoeira) to the flamenco passion brought by the Spanish Empire and the Irish step – the legacy of the wave of emigration from Ireland.
The founder and artistic director of Malevo, director, choreographer and dancer Mathias Haime, took the traditional folklore dance of malambo and brought it to the stage, creating a special visual and sensual theatrical experience for the modern audience. Through his work, Mathias draws attention to Malambo's art and ensures that it continues to be relevant. The troupe's dancers are considered the most talented malambo performers in the world. There are artists who are great at throwing boladors, while others are incredibly skilled at percussion. But it is rare to find universal artists who are able to do all this: dance, drum, sing and play the guitar – this is their uniqueness. And it was such performers that Mathias Jaime gathered in Malevo. The ensemble was awarded the title of the national cultural ambassador of Argentina and achieved great success, performing, among other things, in Las Vegas and New York, Paris and London, together with Latin American pop star Ricky Martin, with Cirque du Soleil, at Universal Studios Japan, in 2023 Malevo performed at the XVI The A.P. International Theater Festival Chekhov in Moscow, and also visited Vladivostok, St. Petersburg.
No matter where they performed, it was only in the last year that the Malevo dancers' feet tap–danced on a variety of stages, from London's iconic West End to the prestigious halls of the Sydney Opera House, they invariably charmed the audience with their unprecedented energy and athleticism.
Following their recent tour in Australia, the ArtsHub Australia website wrote: "Malevo dancers burst onto the stage in all the splendor of Argentine masculinity, bare-chested and drumming, seducing the audience with extraordinary energy and athleticism." After their triumphant performances in London, the troupe received a prestigious invitation to participate in the annual Royal Variety Show, where they performed in front of distinguished guests, including Prince William and Princess Catherine.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Malambo and the spirit of Argentina in an extraordinary and thrilling performance!