(Teresa
Galan, Ana Salvatore, Milissa Mia, Enrique Marin, Taryn Van Wyk,
Hannah
Brophy Bosch, Sanisha
Naidoo & David Romero. Pic by Val Adamson)
Elegant Seduction ... (Review by Verne
Rowin Munsamy)
With so many dance companies facing closure
due to lack of funding, it is remarkable to come across one that has made it to
their 35th anniversary. Linda Vargas'
flamenco dance company is celebrating this milestone with a Gala event at the
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. The company has gone all out to demonstrate why and
how they have acquired leading status in the Durban and South African dance
world. Vida Flamenco is the company’s
celebration of all their achievements as well as the adoration of this sultry Spanish
dance form.
More than 70 dancers of all ages and
technical abilities flaunt their passion, flare and skill in this two-hour long
Spanish extravaganza. I have had the pleasure of following this dance company
for roughly a score and I have always been in awe of their vigour, ferocious
footwork and dazzling arm movements.
Linda Vargas was simply enticing with every
movement she took on the stage and with her showstopper costumes, performance
oozes out through every gesture and eye movement. David Romero, one of the
founding members, Wesley and Ashton Maherry, Alicia del Rey and Gemma Schuman
showed enormous strength, spice and technical ability on stage. Ramon Fernández
was extraordinary in his solo and had the audience enthralled with every flick
of the wrist and tap of his foot. We were also privileged to have Flatfoot
Dance Company members and Kevin Ellis share the stage within their respective
dance styles.
The musicians, led by Demi Fernández on
guitar, Martin Sigamoney playing several instruments, Neil Gonsalves on piano
and Bryan Stone on percussion, were the perfect fit and complemented these
flamboyant dancers with their own bravado and showmanship. The scoring of the
piece was a good mix of old and popular modern. This is important as the show starts
to modernise the Flamenco style a little in the second half with the infusion
of a few other styles including contemporary and belly dancing.
The costumes were elaborate and sensual.
The lighting design by Wesley Maherry was evocative with shades of purple and
red, with oranges to create a warm Spanish sunset. Opening night saw a few
hiccups but nothing too major as to detract from the rhythmic seduction on
stage. Well done to the company and Linda Vargas for sharing your joy and
passion with us.
Vida
Flamenco: The Linda Vargas 35th Anniversary Gala
Season runs at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on the UKZN’s Howard College
campus until July 15, 2018.
Performances are on Wednesday to Saturday
at 19h00 with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 14h30. Tickets R180 with block
booking discounts at R130 each for 10 or more tickets. Seats in the last two
rows for each performance are R150. Booking is through Computicket. Shows run
nightly at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. - Verne Rowin Munsamy
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