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Aire de JerezMarch 2007 London, Lilian Baylis Theatre by Carole Edrich |
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The performance began with three groups of students positioned decoratively on stage. The boys to our left were practicing steps, two girls in the centre were putting on their shoes and girls to our right warming up before a teacher came on stage to lead them in a warm up and more practice. “That’s like your flamenco lessons!” said Francesca, my six year-old niece. She was right. As the dress rehearsal progressed, all the children threw themselves into expressing themselves within a lovely choreography that gave each the opportunity to perform in their own individual styles. It was all a pleasure to watch and Francesca moved to the front of her seat to see everything each time a new dance started. Particularly impressive was the older boy who consistently used with all of his body and hands and a wonderfully expressive face and a tiny doll of a girl whose hand and finger movements were as elegant as her footwork was precise. Francesca’s favourites were the boys. The youngest (who has only been dancing for eighteen months) performed a charming accompaniment to the older girls’ Alegrias. Chest out, with proud face and masculine movements his deportment put me in mind of Joaquin Grillo. Not limited to dancers, the versatile Centro de Baile Jerez provided a gifted young guitarist and singer whose resonant voice belied his youth. Well attended by adults and children alike, the audience showed how much they loved it with both applause and jaleos.
Well produced and rehearsed, the children danced with care, enthusiasm and intensity but the final verdict is best demonstrated by Francesca, who left the performance clapping and stamping and hadn't stopped when I left her at bed-time.
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