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Nuevo Ballet Espanol
'Flamenco Directo'
by Rosella
Simonari
25th July 2003 --
Teatro Rossini, Civitanova,
Italy
Born as a two-member
company, Nuevo Ballet Espanol has soon became a company of nine which
tours with a live flamenco band. The founding
members, Carlos Rodriguez and Angel Rojas are now the joint
artistic directors and choreographers. Their creative energy spans
from genuine flamenco to contemporary dance.
"Flamenco Directo" at the Teatro Rossini in Civitanova opened
with a piece called "Directos", characterised by an oriental
touch. The opening is a series of hands placed beside some pairs of flamenco
shoes, everything else is dark. Then the dance starts with the full company
performing with bare feet. Men and women are dressed alike with black
tops and pants.
The second choreography "Horizontes" is a duet between Ana Agraz
and Carlos Rodriguez. It introduces the audience to a more genuine flamenco
performance. Then we see "Lunaticos", where two couples interact
on stage.
After this a solo piece performed by Carlos Rodriguez, "Mil Besos",
an astonishing and vibrant example of excellent flamenco. The bailaor
becomes possessed by his feet and thunderous strength gives him the charismatic
energy to move through this storm of steps. The audience is thrilled and
in suspense and exults at the final zapateados (the beating of the full
foot on to the floor). This is definitely the climax of the night.
"Playas del alma" involves the entire company guided by a powerful
Angel Rojas. An intense piece where the dancers impressed with their synchronised
steps.
Then a pause to calm down our souls. The company is unique with respect
to other new flamenco company for the profound relationship they have
with their musicians. The musical group Canadu compose most of the music
and performs live upstage creating a kind of familiar gypsy atmosphere.
The second half opens with a duet between Rojas and Rodriguez. They each
wear an open white shirt and perform a beautiful piece, each of them highlighting
their own way of dancing flamenco. Rodriguez is incredibly flexible and
quick; Rojas is rougher and more powerful.
Other pieces are performed where the five women of the company express
their ability to move. Unfortunately the choreographies created for them
are much poorer of virtuosi tic zapateados, they are rather centred on
gesture and rich dresses. A pity, as the dancers seem to have high potential.
Nuevo ballet Espanol is an exciting new company, with great dancers and
an original interpretation of flamenco, which adds a new dimension without
betraying its tradition!
Edited by Stuart
Sweeney
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