In the late 18th century, on the vast plains of central Argentina, South American gauchos (cowboys) created a dance that put their agility, strength and dexterity to the test. With breakneck footwork inspired by the galloping of horses, and the rhythmic spinning of the traditional boleadoras leather and stone weapon, malambo became one of the world's first known competitive dances, and saw the gauchos engage in fierce competition with each other.
And now, much as how traditional Irish dancing was modernised and given a new lease on life by the Riverdance phenomenon, malambo has been experiencing a rebirth as a modern stage show thanks to Malevo, an all-male dance group created by director, choreographer and dancer Matías Jaime.
Initially a choreographer for Latin pop star Ricky Martin, Jaime created Malevo in 2015 to give malambo the same international recognition as Argentina's iconic tango dance, and the group shot to global fame in 2016 when it appeared on the America's Got Talent TV programme.
"The inspiration behind Malevo was to create another vision of a folk dance which until then had no real recognition, unlike the tango, and to also be able to convert it to our way of life and to show part of our roots," Jaime tells FestMag. "The idea was not just a show that lasted two minutes on TV or 20 minutes at an event, but a full show based on malambo and our culture, with an avant-garde theatrical interpretation."
Malevo channels the spirit and raw masculinity of the gauchos in a show that has toured throughout the USA, Europe and Australia, and is now coming to the HKAF in 2025. As the stage fills with dancers with fire in their eyes, and as they spin the boleadoras at speeds of up to 150 km/h, crack whips and beat on bombo leguero drums, it's hard not to get swept away by this blistering and exhilarating take on the Argentinian tradition.
Jaime admits that Malevo's modern, transgressive take on malambo has not been without its critics. "Like everything new that is not aligned with traditional standards, there may be criticism, or different thoughts and emotions, but Malevo has always received a lot of support," he says. "The public sees and feels the genuine respect we have for our art. It may have a new and avant-garde appearance, but we are always respectful of our roots, and this is what gives life and soul to our show."
"I wouldn't say that we have changed the artistic expression of malambo, but in a humble and responsible way we have enabled this dance, so native and so representative of our country and culture and so little known, to have a space worldwide. The public has also been able to learn about malambo as a new form of expression and accompany us on this path."
Jaime is aware that for the rebirth of malambo to continue, interest in the art form must be cultivated among a new generation of male dancers, and he says he often hears from children and youngsters who have been inspired by the Malevo show and express interest in learning. "This shows we are on the right path. Our main objective and mission is to spread knowledge of this dance, full of energy, strength of passion, and in the future they will be the ones who continue to preserve our roots and the legacy of this art."
Jaime and his team are excited to be bringing Malevo to Hong Kong for the first time, and he says local audiences can expect to see something unlike anything they have seen before. "We are very grateful and happy to be coming and are looking forward to learning about your culture, your people and your traditions."
CR Holdings Proudly Sponsors Malevo
Date: 22-23 Mar 2025
Venue: Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre