This beautiful courtly dance was danced in the first half of the 1800s throughout Argentina with the exception of Buenos Aires and el Litoral region. It is a derivation of the Gavotas that the Spanish brought to Argentina in the 18th century. These were French dances composed of two melodies – the Minuet and the other is what became El Gato. The Argentine military hero San Martin possibly first saw it in Mendoza and then took it to Chile on a military campaign along with other dances in 1817. It is a historical dance that is typically only performed in programs celebrating national days. The women wear long ball gowns with mantillas and combs and the men are dressed in tails.

Presented by Pampa Cortés in 2013. View pdf here.