The Porfolio Collection Travel Blog

 

Sensually rhythmic and powerfully beautiful, Fusión Flamenca is a work of art. Intricate movements and rhythms sneak up on you, surprising you in such an unforgettable way with impeccable timing. This production, crafted by Mireille Lenferna and Joanne Bobrow, is a true ode to the incredible allure of dance and the rhythmic beats that interpret it, telling its story.

 

 

 

 

 

Flamenco has its roots deep in Spain’s southern region, Andalusia. Much of the details of its origins have gotten lost in history, but many clues remain as to how this art form evolved. Many say that the name “Flamenco” that was given to the dance (“Baile”), music, chanting, singing (“Cante”) and staccato handclapping (“Palmas”) of this art form, originated during the early 1500s during the reign of Spain’s Charles V. Many believe Flamenco’s origins lie with the nationality that was inappropriately given to the gypsies by the common folk of that same time. Others believe that the name originates from the Arabic “fella mangu” – the labourer who sings.

 

 

Whatever the details, it is strongly apparent that the development of Flamenco is heavily influenced by many different corners of the world. Early influences blend together the rhythms of ancient Hindu dances, the threnodies of Greek mourners, mimes of Imperial Rome, chanting that took place in Jewish synagogue services and the Gypsies who migrated across Asia and the European continent, as well as Northern Africa.

 

 

More information on the art of Flamenco and its origins can be found here:

 

 

 

 

Fusión Flamenca features inspiring choreography by Joanne Bobrow, Mireille Lenferna, Rosana Maya, Amber Jones and Bonny Macrae. The core rhythms of Flamenco were beautifully choreographed to “join forces” with those of the production’s guest African gumboot and contemporary dancers in a way that showcased each artist’s charismatic charm, skill and style. The fused dance styles were almost seamless. Each style’s basic rhythm complimented the others’ to create a truly special production.

 

 

Music and costume designs were a wonderful blend of the past and present, combining the traditional and the contemporary beautifully. African prints and beaded necklaces, flowing chiffon, colourful shawls, skirts and props added to the wonderfully fused styles beautifully!

 

 

The cast of the El Rincon Flamenco Dance Company performed with a sparkle in their eyes, making it remarkably obvious how much they truly love to dance. Each and every dancer’s personality shone through their alluring movements. I loved, as I always have, the way in which every dancer had his and her own style and stage presence, standing out as an individual, even when performing as a group. Each is an artist in his or her own right and they were each special to watch.

 

 

A truly inspirational dancer to me personally, Mireille Lenferna has the kind of stage presence that is soulful and moving. She is a dancer who reaches into the very depths of her heart and performs such exquisitely beautiful pieces that often take my breath away! Performances by Joanne Bobrow and guest artist, Rosana Maya were equally profound and special!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosana dances with pure heart and soul, and is a true artist. It was a special treat to watch her as she moved across the stage performing Flamenco and Indian choreography. Her love for dance, performance and individuality shone brightly and as she danced I couldn’t help but feel that I was in the presence of a very rare kind of special dancer.

 

 

Accompanying the dancers were guitarists Andre Liebenberg and Rudo van Staden. Their style is strongly influenced by Paco de Lucia, Paco Peña, Acoustic Alchemy and Lee Ritenour and it showed in this production. The pair are true masters of their art form and beautifully complimented the dancers with their mesmerising music.They are currently recording their 2nd album entitled “Woodgrain.”

 

 

Contemporary dancers, Amber Jones, Angelique Raposo and Porcia Kietzmann were astoundingly beautiful! Their movements were effortless, light and perfectly synchronised. Their participation in the gumboot dancing added a little fun to the production too!

 

 

Full of energy and fun, the gumboot dancers were an absolute thrill to watch! These young men danced with their hearts too, showcasing their remarkable talents and giving us all a performance to remember!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flamenco is a truly remarkable art form, so intricately unique and inspiring! It’s powerfully human, portraying raw emotions without inhibition in a rhythmic display of wonderful storytelling. This is precisely the reason I have personally been so attracted to Flamenco. Flamenco is sincere, serious, passionate and vehemently animated. Flamenco is danced, sung and musically played wholeheartedly with every inch of the soul, interpreting stories of great sadness and loss, and joy and celebration.

 

 

Fusión Flamenca thrilled from the very second that the lights went down and this incredible cast took their places. Instantly enveloped, the rhythms of Fusión Flamenca casts a fascinating spell that lingers throughout the performance. I simply didn’t want the show to end! Fusión Flamenca is a choreographed work of art that is engaging with its audience, sparking many a fascinated onlooker to mirror the emotional rhythms, feeling them with their whole hearts themselves, and shout out an appreciative Olé!  

 

 

After such a wonderfully inspiring performance (we’d worked up an appetite just watching the show!), us girls (my mother, sister and I) couldn’t resist a bite to eat at the News Café Restaurant in the foyer of the Nelson Mandela Theatre. A hearty meal was had… a fitting end to a Sunday afternoon that was, too, full of heart!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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