It was a pretty good show, though me and my flamenco friends (I take flamenco dance classes) found it very cheesy at times.
Lead dancers and co-founders of Nuevo Ballet Espanol Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodriguez are very good dancers, but at times, their mix of flamenco and contemporary dance doesn't work very well, particularly when danced to a moody (read: boring) soundtrack.
I found the second tableau, between 2 guys and a girl, particularly dreadful. There was some imaginative stuff in there, but lord, they just tried too hard.
Also, Angel kind of milked the applause at the end of his solo. First, he danced, then came to the front of the stage and danced some more, but no one really applauded afterwards. Why? Because we were not impressed, that's why! His footwork was fast but only in short sections - little build-up, no time to think 'wow this is crazy, he is amazing!"
When they stayed close to pure flamenco (eg Carlos' solo, in particular), that's where it was beautiful.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Richard Alston Dance Company
From Richard Alston Dance COmpany's Shuffle It Right.
Will leave you with a massive smile on your face. Highly recommended! They are touring the UK this November.
Update 4/11: A short feature on Richard Alston in today's Guardian.
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