One of the most eagerly awaited annual dance events in London, the Sadler’s Wells Flamenco Festival will kick off on the 8th February. Known for exhibiting renowned Spanish stars, this year there’s no deviation from the high, authentic standard we’ve come to expect.
Singer Estrella Morente (daughter of Enrique Morente and star in her own right) opens with an Andalusian offering, which promises to be electric. Blink and you’ll miss her, as on the 9th Feb multi award-winning Israel Galvan takes the stage for his exceptional individualistic reworking of traditional flamenco.
Thursday poses a conundrum: cantaor (Flamenco singer) Miguel Poveda or baila (dancer) Mercedes Ruiz? No, you can’t have both.
The Compania Aida Gomez takes up residence for 3 nights, with a stylised performance of Bizet’s Carmen, with Gomez in the lead role, supported by notable dancers Jose Huertas and Eduardo Guerrero. Rocio Molina’s innovative concept piece Cuando las Piedras Vuelan also plays on the 15th Feb.
Guitar legend Tomatito plays a one-off on the 16th, not to be missed if this is your favourite flamenco aspect. Dancer Eva Yerbabuena rounds off the festival 17th-19th Feb with Cuando Yo Era, already being hailed as whole new level of a stunning career.
By Amy Barnard
Flamenco Festival London is at Sadler’s Wells Theatre from 8-19th February. Buy tickets online or call 0844 412 4300.
Fancy learning Flamenco yourself? Read this.
Image by Javier Suarez courtesy of Sadler's Wells
