Sealed With A Kick

On Friday, I went to the Fleck Theatre to see Letters From Spain presented by Esmerelda Enrique Spanish Dance Company. Their choreography is based in traditional flamenco so it was interesting to compare and contrast with last week's Ballet Creole. In this case, there was no hint of contemporary or other dance forms, but they were still able to tell a range of stories.

The 1st half gave us Poeta which told of the exile and return of poet Rafael Alberti. The soft arm gestures and distinctive wrist action conveyed the ocean's embrace. Swishes and flips of long blue trains on dresses evoked waves and tides. And the thunderous flamenco stomps highlighted the jack-booted horrors of war.

The 2nd half had several short pieces backed by live musicians and singers. It was eclectic and vibrant from busy city streets (Descenquentros), to a tribute to the masculine aesthetic of Carmen Amaya (La Capitana), to a street festival and a game of musical chairs in Cadiz (Pueblo). The band also had a chance to shine in several numbers. It was a fun evening of dance, especially at curtain call when everyone came to the front of the stage for some impromptu solos. I noticed that almost all of the dancers were older. Though there was no denying their experience and craft, I wondered about the next generation of Spanish dancers.