Red-hot flamenco to heat up Seoul

By Lee Hyo-won

The rain may be cooling off the last remnants of summer, but the heat in Seoul will likely go up a notch with the arrival of fiery flamenco dancers in September.

The local arts and culture scene has become richly cosmopolitan in recent years with a diverse range of international offerings. The popular musical “Don Juan” featured an unforgettable flamenco sequence, but unlike other traditions showcased here, no local talent has been apt to deliver the passion and hushed nuances of the Spanish dance steps.

If the imported dancers for “Don Juan” served as an appetizer for the exotic world of flamenco, then it could be said that the diva Carmen Mota allowed Korean fans to fully savor its heat through her sellout performances last year.

Those craving more of the feverish dance can now look forward to Madrid’s Nuevo Ballet Espanol, which is expected to paint the stage crimson with its red-blooded romanticism, from Sept. 8 to 12 at the Universal Art Center.

The globe-trotting troupe led by celebrated duo Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodriguez will offer fans nothing short of a sizzling experience, with gypsy flair and spirit. The performance titled “Sangre Flamenca” — with “sangre” most appropriately meaning “red blood” — has been hailed by fans and critics in North America and Europe for offering the hallmarks of Spanish tradition with a modern twist. The group’s Seoul debut comes in time for the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Korea and Spain.

Six male and four female dancers will show off exhilarating footwork and hand gestures. The performance will culminate with a dynamic performance by Rojas and Rodriguez — a rare sight to see two males taking center stage. The signature dance sequences have gained a reputation for juxtaposing the contrasting styles of the two ballet-turned-flamenco dancers, Rojas’ traditional, natural steps opposite Rodriguez’s contemporary variation. “The combination of these two styles successfully creates a fantastic new version. That’s what makes the audiences leave the theater pleasantly satisfied,” said the London Metro.

Flamenco will be brought to life to live gypsy music. A seven-member band comprising of two singers (“cante”), two guitars (“toque”), violin, cello and percussion instruments will complete the audiovisual feast.

Tickets cost from 55,000 to 150,000 won. Call (02) 517-0394.