(enlace) Bolero Flamenco

Fernando Solano, centre, dances to Ravel's Bolero.

Picture:John Woudstra

Ballet Teatro Espanol de Rafael Aguilar, until August 8

Bolero Flamenco is a title that immediately evokes images of fiery passion, sexual tension, and that intriguing blend of tragedy and joy that seems to be the spirit of flamenco.

The program, featuring the choreography of company founder Rafael Aguilar, opens with Aires de Ida y Vuelta, set to the music of Alberto Ginastera, and drawing upon both Spanish and Latin American influences. It has a folkloric sensibility, tempered by considerable choreographic licence. The women dance in candy-coloured dresses, their multicoloured flounces creating attractive visual accents against the coffee-coloured shirts and pants of the men. However, one soon notices a certain lack of energy and precision.

Item two is set to Ravel's over-exploited Bolero. A somewhat effete male is positioned against separate choruses of men and women. It is a tried and not-so-true idea presented in different formats by Ida Rubenstein, Maurice Bejart and others with varying degrees of success. This is one of the less successful efforts, lacking any imaginative distinction.

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