Masters of tango dancing to perform at Southeast

The Southeast Missouri State University River Campus welcomes one of Argentina's great cultural exports, Tango Buenos Aires, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 in the Bedell Performance Hall at Southeast's River Campus.

Tango Buenos Aires has become one of Argentina's cultural exports, known throughout the Americas, Europe and the Far East as the most authentic representative of the tango.

"This is truly the finest Argentine touring company in existence, presenting a sizzling program. The tango, by definition, is red-hot and sultry. We are fortunate that Tango Buenos Aires could fit us into another of their coast-to-coast U.S. tours. I can promise you an exhilarating evening of the most sensual of dance forms," said Bob Cerchio, assistant director of Southeast's Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts.

The company will perform "Song of Eva Peron," a journey through dance and music of the life of Eva Peron, the first lady of Argentina and one of the most important female characters in Argentine history. It will chronicle her rise from humble beginnings to her being sworn in as first lady.

Tango Buenos Aires was created for the "Jazmines" festival at the Buenos Aires cabaret "Michelangelo" by renowned composer and tango director Osvaldo Requena.

In 1986, the company traveled to the United States to represent Argentina at the Latin-American festival at the Delacorte Theatre in New York City's Central Park.

The event was followed by an tour throughout the United States, along with trips to Mexico, Puerto Rico and El Salvador, followed by a return to the United States via Miami and San Francisco.

Since then, the company has continued to tour many other countries throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe.

Tickets may be purchased at the River Campus box office at 518 S. Fountain St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, by calling 651-2265, or online at RiverCampusEvents.com.