Forever Flamenco Presents “Amor” at the Fountain Theatre

This past Saturday night, Reyes Barrios presented the first of five evening performances in August showcasing a variety of different Flamenco performances in “Forever Flamenco” at the Fountain Theatre in East Hollywood. With each Saturday being a different theme, this first performance, entitled “Amor”, gave the illusion we would witness a passion packed performance between the traditional man and woman duet; but Barrios surprised us with a more emotional and deeper love connection, honoring the “godmother of flamenco” the late Deborah Lawlor. Barrios began the performance by introducing the musicians and dancers accompanying her onstage, but ultimately paying homage to Lawlor who had stabilized flamenco dancing at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles when there otherwise was none. It was clear from the beginning that this was a love letter to her, a performance in her memory, for which the dancers believed they would not be on the stage dancing without her faithful guidance.

Forever Flamenco – Yaelisa in “Amor” – Photo by James Bennett.

Barrios introduced guitarist Antonio Triana, violinist David Morales Boroff, and singer Antonio de Jerez before introducing the dancers for the evening. Accompanying Barrios on stage was flamenco dancer Rocio Carrera who’s impressive accolades have earned her a PHD in neuropharmacology from UCSD and training with renowned artists in Sevilla, Malaga, and Granada Spain, not to mention establishing her own Paloma Centro de Arte Flamenco which she presently directs. Joining Carreras was dancer Yaelisa who is the daughter of renowned flamenco dancer Isa Mura, but a gifted choreographer and flamenco artist all on her own. She’s the recipient of an Emmy Award for choreography for the PBS program, “Desde Cádiz a Sevilla” and an NEA Choreography Fellowship awardee to name a few accolades. She is also the co-founder and artistic director of the New World Flamenco Festival held at Irvine Barclay Theater, and since its inception in 2001, it has become an international marker of artistic success here in the states. Joining the other two is dancer and singer, Reyes Barrios, who not only programmed this string of performances at the Fountain Theater, but also has impressive career markers of her own in the field. Barrios states, “I am a professional Flamenco dancer and teacher of the art, and whatever other mundane things I must do to keep it alive” which is a statement almost all beings, certainly all artists, can relate too.

While we had a few moments on stage that did not go according to plan, like an earring getting caught on a fringed scarf, a few timing issues with the music, and a several missed choreographed steps, the joy came from the improvised moments when the dancer and the musicians were in sync and riffing off one another. Flamenco is one of the very few dance practices where the dancer actually signals the musician for a change, called La Llamada. Both Triana and Jerez remained present and alert to see when the dancer might signal in order to make things seamless, and it is forever fascinating to watch. During the performance we hear the dancers shout “Agua!,” “Que bailas bien!” and “Ole!” as motivational encouragement to let the dancer know she is doing well and that they’re enjoying the movement. And it is in these key shouted phrases, signals, and improvisation that make Flamenco so exhilarating to be a part of. There were several moments when the dancers would face the musicians, turning their back on the audience, and seemingly dancing just with the musician as a way to reconnect and reunite.

Forever Flamenco – (L-R) Reyes Barrios, Rocio Carrera, Yaelisa and musicians in “Amor” – Photo by James Bennett.

There’s a scene in the 1990 film “Pretty Woman” where Richard Gere’s character takes Julia Roberts’ character to the opera and says, “..the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don’t, they may learn to appreciate it..” and I think the same rings true for Flamenco. It was apparent that these dancers and musicians shared a respect and wonderment for each other outside of the staged lights and costumes. You could feel their individual connection to the art form itself, and the value it brings to their working relationships and beyond. Forever Flamenco gives the audience the technique you crave from a dance performance but also the freedom to feel like you can try it at home. It is a dance full of pride and passion, and a must go experience for those in Los Angeles who crave a cultural community and experience out of the normal.

To learn more about the Fountain Theatre and Forever Flamenco, please visit their website.

Written by Grace Courvoisier for LA Dance Chronicle.

Featured image: Forever Flamenco – Rocio Carrea and musicians in “Amor” – Photo by James Bennett.