When you see that the incredible and talented team from Adelaide Flamenco Ensemble Compania Alma Flamenca is making an appearance at Adelaide Fringe, you just know that you're in for a fiesta of the kind that will simply make your night a truly magical one!
It's been two years since last being honored to witness the stunning instalment that was Studio Flamenco's Recuerdos (review here) but the memories from that show are as clear as day, because it injected a sense of dynamic energy, rhythmic movement, and an underlying non-narrative storyline that enveloped everyone in the room into an experience that celebrated community and connection in monumental form. Returning to Adelaide Fringe this year with a fresh new piece of dance theatre, which still marries these elements strongly, Las Cuatro aims to spoil their audiences with an hour-long performance demonstrating the power of human interactions and conversations through the art of traditional flamenco dance.
Throughout the performance, we are treated to a range of solo, duet, and group-based acts, which are almost always accompanied by props (shawls, fans, books, and mirrors, to name a few) and costumes that are abundant in its frills and thrills to mesmerize the audience. It weaves them into their energetic and well-choreographed dance that eloquently mirrors a range of emotions that are bound to tap into your inner core values in pure and inspiring ways. What starts with a set of soulful dance routines at a relaxed pace doesn't take long to transform into an upbeat and enthusiastic representation of human connections, camaraderie, and nurturing relationships - all elements that are further accentuated by a powerful soundtrack of contemporary world music that inspires and ignites you with love and respect for the cultural components of this show. It also provides audiences with a way to immerse themselves in the beauty of Spanish culture through their elegant mix of performing arts and dance theatre.
It's true when they say that action speak louder than words, because while there is no spoken narrative in this show, the fluid movements and the synchronized choreography make the story flow as calmly as a babbling brook, which then picks up momentum to create a majestic ripple effect as the show goes on. This is a spectacle that is not only visually stunning but also works to move you in ways that will leave you with a euphoric sensation at the end.