Tag: London dance

For excellent Flamenco, look to Sadler’s Wells

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Step into a world where tradition meets innovation, where old blends seamlessly with new to create something entirely original and electrifying. At Sadler’s Wells, the iconic Paco Peña, accompanied by his talented Paco Peña Dance Company, presents Solera – a captivating production that breathes new life into the timeless art of flamenco. As the evening unfolds, prepare to be mesmerised by a fusion of exceptional music, dance, and passion that transcends boundaries and embodies the essence of human emotions in all their raw beauty. The show opens with a symphony of everyday sounds that seamlessly transform into a vibrant celebration of the human spirit. Take away the traditional red Flamenco dress and imagine you’re in a studio with friends who are just chilling and decide to have a dance. They chat in-between sets, sip water, play on their phones – all normal every day stuff – that plays an insightful and very real backdrop to the magic unfolding in the foreground. From the rhythmic beats of percussionist Julio Alcocer to the exquisite melodies woven by guitars and voices, every moment is a testament to the skill and artistry of the performers. Directed with precision by Jude Kelly CBE, Solera masterfully transitions from the mundane to the magical, immersing the audience in a world of colour, light, and drama that is nothing short of spellbinding. In the second act, the stage comes alive with a spectacle of performance, accentuated by striking costumes and evocative lighting that elevate the talents of the company to new heights. Dancers… Read More

Flamenco Festival 2024 at Sadler’s Wells

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The Flamenco Festival is set to make a triumphant return to Sadler’s Wells this summer for its 19th edition, spanning from Tuesday 4 to Saturday 15 June. This eagerly anticipated event promises an electrifying showcase of flamenco artistry, featuring seven UK premieres and captivating performances from acclaimed flamenco luminaries. The festival’s program will be a vibrant fusion of dance performances and concerts, delivering a compelling and unforgettable experience for all attendees. The festival kicks off with a mesmerizing performance by Rocío Molina in Al Fondo Riela on Tuesday 4 June. Molina, known for her innovative approach and subversion of flamenco traditions, presents a piece that revolves around reflection and the loss of reality, encapsulated by the original flamenco trio of dance, song, and guitar. Accompanied by two contrasting guitarists, Oscar Lago and Yerai Cortés, Molina’s performance promises to be a captivating exploration of traditional flamenco combined with innovative flair. Returning to the festival after her remarkable appearance in 2019, Rocío Molina has been recognized for her exceptional talent, winning the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for outstanding female performance and being awarded the prestigious Silver Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2022. The festival continues to dazzle with a concert by the renowned flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo on Wednesday 5 June. Amigo, celebrated as one of the most accomplished flamenco guitarists of his generation and a Latin Grammy Award-winner, will present a concert that seamlessly blends classical and nuevo flamenco, incorporating elements of jazz, folk, and South American rhythms while preserving the essence of flamenco…. Read More

Sadler’s Wells new national youth initiative

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It’s time to celebrate the extraordinary talent of young dancers across England as Sadler’s Wells unveils the next cohort of the National Youth Dance Company (NYDC). With 32 dancers aged between 16 and 24, hailing from 21 different towns, cities, and villages, this truly nationwide company is set to take the dance world by storm. Led by Guest Artistic Director Oona Doherty, they will be working on an exciting new piece called Wall, which is set to premiere at Leeds Playhouse on Saturday, April 13th, before embarking on a national tour. Wall is an exploration of Britain through the eyes and voices of young people from around the country. It delves into their thoughts, highlighting both the good and the bad, the old and the new. Through repetitive movements of resistance, stamina, and will, the dancers showcase their strength and beauty, embodying the greatness of Britain. The production promises to be a visual and auditory feast, with music by Turner Prize-winning artist Mark Leckey, lighting design by John Gunning of Malaprop Theatre, and costume design by Ryan Dawson Laight, who has an extensive background in theater and dance. Award-winning photographer and video maker Luca Truffarelli adds his talents as the audio, photo, and video collaborator, while NYDC alumna Nya Bardouille serves as Assistant to the choreographer. After its premiere at Leeds Playhouse, Wall will embark on a captivating journey to Wakefield, Falmouth, Ipswich, Latitude Festival, Leicester, and London, with a highly anticipated performance at Sadler’s Wells Theatre on Saturday, July 13th. This is an unmissable… Read More