CHRP to Present Argentina’s Che Malambo in the 9th Annual Global Rhythms (preview)

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If it’s dance and makes noise, it’s fair game to the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP).

Rising from the traditional Argentinian Gauchos, Malambo is a compelling dance form that is yet to be seen in North America – until now. Employing echoes of more familiar Argentinian forms such as the leg flicks seen in tango and foot percussion of flamenco, Malambo is traditionally a machismo dance form for the solo man. Choreographer Gilles Brinas has imagined a theatrical version for an entire pack of dudes accompanied by percussion instruments, voice, and guitar.

Che Malambo (Brinas and his dudes) is joined by local companies Mexican Dance Ensemble (Nov 8) and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater (Nov 9) for this year’s installment of CHRP’s annual Global Rhythms project. In addition to celebrating percussive arts from around the world, the Global Rhythms project selects causes (lots of them), and donates 50% of ticket revenue to registered 501(c)3 organizations. Dubbed the Thanks4Giving Project, patrons can also save 10% on ticket prices by using purchase codes for their favorite sponsored organizations (who will still get a 50% cut). You can easily get your hands on the codes just by following @chicagotap on Twitter or following the #Thanks4Giving hashtag!

Chicago Human Rhythm Projects Presents: Global Rhythms 9 (Featuring Che Malambo) November 8 and 9, 8pm, at the Athenaeum Theatre (2936 N. Southport). Tickets are $15-47, including a $2 Athenaeum Restoration Fee, available by calling 773-935-6875 or visiting web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/924281.

Author: Lauren Warnecke

Lauren Warnecke is a freelance dance critic, contributing to the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Magazine. She is senior editor of See Chicago Dance. Lauren covers dance across the Midwest and writes regularly for Dance Magazine and Pointe with additional bylines in Milwaukee Magazine, St. Louis Magazine and Dance Teacher. Forthcoming publications include essays on ballet training in Chicago (University of Illinois Press) and Shirley Mordine (University of Akron Press). In 2020, Lauren published an opinion piece on the impact of COVID-19 on the arts in the South African journal Agenda. Lauren holds degrees in dance and kinesiology and has presented research on dance training practices at the National Dance Education Organization and the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science. She has co-facilitated critical dance writing intensives in Chicago and Durban, South Africa, and participated in writing residencies at the National Center for Choreography, Bates Dance Festival and JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience. Lauren teaches dance history and kinesiology for dancers, with part-time appointments at Loyola University Chicago and Illinois Wesleyan University.