© sadler's wells Sadler's Wells' fourth annual Flamenco Festival London. Ballet.co Magazine coverage: March 2007 April 2007 recent Malaga en Flamenco reviews more Carole Edrich reviews Discuss this review (Open for at least 6 months)

True to its title, this production showcased the characteristics of the music of Málaga in flamenco, of flamenco in Málaga and of music written by luminaries Ramon Montoya and Isaac Albeniz. The simple but effective set was first host to eleven musicians in traditional dress. While playing Verdiales they were accompanied on one side of the stage by a folk dancing couple and the other by a flag dancer. However, the majority of the evening was devoted to music alone. An expressive piano, seductive violin, spellbinding guitar and enthusiastic percussion combined with soul-searing vocals and wonderful guitar to deliver a comprehensive selection of regional music.

Sergio Aranda’s zapateado (footwork) was humorous, timely and stunningly fast. After an expressive performance in a bata de cola (skirt with long trail), a woman described as ‘Solera Chica’ removed the trail and danced with it as a scarf. Later she joined Aranda for tangos. Sadly a stumble had taken its toll and although she danced expressively her eyes betrayed the pain that the turned ankle must have brought.

The Verdiales performers ended the evening by descending into the auditorium. An up-close and personal mixture of Málagueno music with the London audience this was an amusing and educational night but I could have done with more dance.