Sangre Flamenca at Sadler's Wells

Sangre Flamenca at Sadler's Wells

20 November, 2008
by: City Spoonfed

A show with a small cast and no glamorous outfits, Sangre Flamenca at Sadler's Wells goes beyond the superficial aspects of dance, instead bringing flamenco’s legacy forward with heaps of passion, energy and soul – a combination that large commercial dance shows find difficult to achieve.

Originally conceived in fifteenth century southern Spain, Flamenco started off in dark corners and alley ways, orchestrated by the hushed whispers of lowly gypsies oppressed by Catholic regime. Built around the simple notes of an acoustic guitar, with rhythmic beats from clapping hands and tapping feet accompanying passionate vocals, the artform became increasingly complex with intricate, rapid footwork and the sweeping, feminine grace of ballet. Tonight, this is thrown into the limelight by two rather smouldering male dancers - Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodriguez.

Founding members of the Nuevo Ballet Espana dance company, the two artists bring the enigmatic fiesta to London’s Peacock theatre with no more than 11 dancers and a meagre orchestra of eight. Preconceptions lead to concern that such a small cast will act as a disadvantage. In fact, it's their strongest point. The small band comprising two singers, two acoustic guitarists, a base guitarist, a violinist, a flutist and a drummer, line the back of the stage and leave omnipresent silhouettes throughout the show. Their simplicity brings great exotic music and authenticity to the forefront in a manner that big, glamorous shows lack.

The dancers share the same down-to-earth ease. Dressed in sashaying skirts, the girls are graceful and seductive with every twirl, jump and click of their castanets. The men, including Rojas and Rodriguez, are quick, precise and sharp. Collectively they create a perfectly balanced image on stage, making it look effortless and inviting. The platform is devoid of the décor that your average West End show thrives upon – no props, backdrops or extravagant lighting. It's minimalism fulfils the aim of bringing the traditional music and dance to the spotlight.

There's no storyline. Instead, the show greets the audience with a series of dances expressing real human emotion. In one of the solo performances, entirely devoid of music, Rojas displays solitude, excitement and love as he slowly ambles to the front of the stage. The entire scene is at the command of his fiery footwork, creating an intense atmosphere among the audience. I didn’t think it was possible to spin four times continuously while clicking your heels. And I’m a dancer myself.

When all eleven dancers join the finale they perform an extravagant romantic score supported by the music of their castanets and feet alone. Nothing more, nothing less. A dance almost six hundred years old is presented in its truest, most naked form, leaving the audience with their hearts racing, begging for more as the curtains come down.

by Alisha Haridasani

Click here for all dance theatre in the next fortnight

City Spoonfed