London Flamenco Festival: 16 Mar. ‘Viva Jerez!’

This showcase of Jerez-based artists closed the London Flamenco festival 2008. There was nothing wrong with it, but I think I was too satisfied with the Israel’s show to fully enjoy another one in the same week…

Still, Maria del Mar Moreno symbolised very well of flamenco Jerezano by her expressive dances, as if she was wearing and caressing the series of cante sung for her. She also entertained us with her own singing, even when she was dancing bulerias.

Another guest dancer, Mercedes Ruiz, impressed us with her stunning techniques as if she popped out from a dance manual. I could see why many flamenco dance students have taken her as a model, but couldn’t see in what way her style symbolises Jerez.

While I liked the male dancer, who entertained us with his rhythmical and comical performances, I was shocked to find out that I didn’t really enjoy the dances by Angelita Gomez, who also appeared in the show. In fact, I hadn’t realised that it was her until I later checked the programme carefully. Maybe I was blind, or maybe her petite figure and traditional style didn’t really suit such a huge theatre setting. At the finale, a Japanese-looking lady placed two bunches of flowers onto the stage so that two dancers could pick them up as gifts, and I’m sure that she meant them for Maria and Mercedes, but it was Maria and Angelita who picked them up. It was obvious though, because Angelita is their teacher and the greatest among the three. I’m just disappointed with myself that I couldn’t appreciate her style this time…