 |
   |
The Making of a Spanish DancerSadler's Wells Education with a structured view of the techniques, steps and variety of flamenco and Spanish dance... 12 February 2007 London, Lilian Baylis Theatre by Carole Edrich |
|||||||
|
Presented for just one night, well before the start of Sadler’s Wells Flamenco Festival, “The Making of a Spanish Dancer” was a structured view of the techniques, steps and variety of flamenco and Spanish dance. Fiona Ross of Sadler’s Wells Education and Communication department explained that their intention was to provide a ‘real beginners guide’ for free. It was hoped that this taster would result in new interest in the festival from people who might not otherwise consider it. As you’d expect from anything presented by a woman honoured by the King of Spain for her contribution to Spanish dance, the evening was comprehensive and well structured. Far from dry and academic, it was also enormous fun. Dame Keet interspersed a wealth of information with personal anecdotes and a gentle sense of humour, the glue between performances of very different styles. The Ingreso Examination was demonstrated by four engaging nine year-old Escuela de Baile students. It was a pleasure to watch them learn to enjoy performing as they came back on stage for other dances. Dame Keet talked the audience through a demonstration of Escuela Bolera exercises by Conchita del Campo and folk dances were represented by a lovely Fandanguillo by Francesca Frohlich and Sevillanas by the Giffin siblings. Dame Keet lead the audience in a clapping exercise to demonstrate the complexity of the flamenco rhythm. She explained that Alegrías is one of the most complex and difficult dances before introducing the last section. Then a demonstration of Danza Estilizada was a perfect build-up to the stunning and atmospheric interpretation of Locura by Saulo Garrido and the evening was finished with a traditional Bulerías. While it may not have been as basic as Sadler’s Wells had envisaged it’s difficult to imagine a better overview of the complexity and depth of flamenco and Spanish dance. This surprising gem of an evening lifted my spirits and renewed my enthusiasm in dance. The enthusiasm and energy of the performers and Dame Keet’s gentle humour and passion reminded me exactly why I love dance. If this didn’t succeed in attracting more people to the flamenco festival I don’t believe anything would. Weblog entry www.ballet.co.uk/weblogs/edrich/archives/000383.html Full transcript of evening www.caroleedrich.com/makingspanishdancertranscript.htm
Lexicon of dance. A (includes Alegrías)
Escuela de Baile
www.la-escuela-de-baile.co.uk |
||||||||
|
 |
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
