Culture Whisper says: Paco Peña Flamencura review ★★★★★
Paco Peña’s highly-anticipated return to Sadler's Wells sees him paying tribute to flamenco’s heritage in the UK première of a production that keenly employs his expert vision and masterful music.
The trajectory of Flamencura covers the rich history of this striking art form. The show takes audiences on a flamenco voyage: from the roots of the tradition in its most primitive and pure arrangements, to the latest complex rhythmic variations in today’s flamenco dancing, singing and music.
The virtuoso talents of Paco Peña are legendary. As a celebrated guitarist, composer, dramatist, producer and artistic mentor he has been bringing light and shade to every single dazzling performance, during a career that has spanned five decades.
In Flamencura, Peña is joined by a remarkable cast of six skilful musicians, including gospel singer Virada Rowe, and three spirited dancers. These three embody everything we expect from flamenco - sensual, musical and expressive.
Together, they set out to demonstrate how the vehement emotions that provided inspiration for the singers, dancers and guitarists of yesteryear continue to nourish the art form today. This unbridled passion will forever remain the life-blood of flamenco.
Flamencura was devised to illustrate how every flamenco dance movement is inspired by the staccato rhythms found in the music.
The percussive striking of the heels and expressive sweeping of the arms that we associate with flamenco is only made possible thanks to the instrumental accompaniment. The dancers’ slinky sensuality and dark, dramatic tension is similarly derived from the sentiments imparted through the music.
Such immersion in performance – perfect, soulful, harmony between the dancers, the music and an awestruck audience – is referred to in Spanish as ‘duende.’ Performers are always in pursuit of the inspiration that will allow them to reach this total involvement in their art.
Flamencura aims to attain this mysterious level of emotions. If Peña’s previous - incredibly popular - work is anything to go by, this will be a reflective, affecting, satisfying show. Olé!
Paco Peña’s highly-anticipated return to Sadler's Wells sees him paying tribute to flamenco’s heritage in the UK première of a production that keenly employs his expert vision and masterful music.
The trajectory of Flamencura covers the rich history of this striking art form. The show takes audiences on a flamenco voyage: from the roots of the tradition in its most primitive and pure arrangements, to the latest complex rhythmic variations in today’s flamenco dancing, singing and music.
The virtuoso talents of Paco Peña are legendary. As a celebrated guitarist, composer, dramatist, producer and artistic mentor he has been bringing light and shade to every single dazzling performance, during a career that has spanned five decades.
In Flamencura, Peña is joined by a remarkable cast of six skilful musicians, including gospel singer Virada Rowe, and three spirited dancers. These three embody everything we expect from flamenco - sensual, musical and expressive.
Together, they set out to demonstrate how the vehement emotions that provided inspiration for the singers, dancers and guitarists of yesteryear continue to nourish the art form today. This unbridled passion will forever remain the life-blood of flamenco.
Flamencura was devised to illustrate how every flamenco dance movement is inspired by the staccato rhythms found in the music.
The percussive striking of the heels and expressive sweeping of the arms that we associate with flamenco is only made possible thanks to the instrumental accompaniment. The dancers’ slinky sensuality and dark, dramatic tension is similarly derived from the sentiments imparted through the music.
Such immersion in performance – perfect, soulful, harmony between the dancers, the music and an awestruck audience – is referred to in Spanish as ‘duende.’ Performers are always in pursuit of the inspiration that will allow them to reach this total involvement in their art.
Flamencura aims to attain this mysterious level of emotions. If Peña’s previous - incredibly popular - work is anything to go by, this will be a reflective, affecting, satisfying show. Olé!
If you fancy taking to the dance floor yourself, there will be pre-show Flamenco classes held on Sunday 21 June and Sunday 28 June (free to same day ticket-holders). 
| What | Flamencura: Paco Peña Dance Company |
| Where | Sadler's Wells, Roseberry Avenue, London, EC1R 4TN | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Angel (underground) |
| When |
20 Jun 15 – 28 Jun 15, also at 2.30pm on the 27th and 28th |
| Price | £12-£38 |
| Website | click here to book via the Sadler's Wells website |
