One of the most sought-after flamenco companies, Barcelona Flamenco Ballet, will present the Los Angeles premiere of Luxurîa (“Lust”) at the Alex Theatre in Glendale for one performance only, Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 8 p.m. Barcelona Flamenco Ballet is led by artistic directors, choreographers and principal dancers David Gutiérrez and Paula Reyes. This is a rare opportunity to see Barcelona Flamenco Ballet and tickets are on sale now.
For Luxurîa Gutiérrez and Reyes will be joined by cantaor (singer) Joel de Pepa, guitarrista (guitarist) Jordi Centeno, and appearing as guest artist Gerardo Morales, Los Angeles native and local flamenco circuit favorite Percussionista (percussionist) performs for the L.A. segment of the company’s eight-state U.S. tour. Following this tour Luxurîa will return to Romania before traveling to Italy and South Korea. Luxurîa is sponsored by the Departament de Cultura de Catalunya (Catalonia Department of Culture) and Ajuntament de Barcelona (Barcelona City Hall).
David Gutiérrez – Photo-©www.unniks.com
David Gutiérrez, the founder of Barcelona Flamenco Ballet, is considered to be one of the most skilled and talented flamenco artists in Spain, and he and his company have become recognized around the world as the leaders of modern flamenco. Gutiérrez trained in Andalusia with some of the best maestros before going on to perform as a soloist and winning “Best Flamenco Solo Dancer” at the Gibraltar Stage Dance Festival. To read Gutiérrez’s full bio, please click HERE.
Because the company is currently in Barcelona, I sent a list of questions to David Gutiérrez regarding their performance here in southern California. Here, thanks to the hard work of publicist Lucy Pollak and Beth Nesbitt Founder of Vida Flamenca are his answers.
What was the genesis or inspiration for “Luxurîa”?
I wrote and produced two previous works, “New Time” and “Trapped in Time,” which were both highly successful. Since the bar was set very high, creating a third work became more difficult.
When inspiration did not come, I began writing fragments, but I always ended up erasing everything – until the big day came: one night, as I sat in a hotel room in China, the word “Lust” popped into my mind. I began investigating the word and everything that it entailed, and I was inspired to continue creating; I had my message.
With this latest creation, I wanted to portray the ways in which our society still struggles with conversations about love, sex, and lust. The show openly explores these parts of life, which are completely natural but whose dark sides, if embraced, can lead to disastrous consequences.
Luxurîa, premiered last August at the Sibiu International Theatre Festival in Romania. It is a tale of love and has been described as transporting the audience into the world of “suspense, intrigue, complex power dynamics, love, loyalty and tragedy.” The work also highlights Barcelona Flamenco Ballet’s innovative style that fuses together elements of both traditional flamenco dance and music with elements of ballet, classical and jazz.
“Luxuria” – Barcelona Flamenco Ballet – Paula Reyes and David Gutiérrez – Photo by Belen Codina Felip
Explain the difference between your style of Flamenco dance and others in Spain.Flamenco has evolved over time, and we see more and more dancers reinventing themselves, introducing novel concepts and elements from other forms of dance.
As for myself, I can confidently say that I have made my own mark. I consider myself to be a versatile dancer with a fresh approach. I take risks and embrace fusion. As someone who interacts a lot with the public, I have a lively personality.
How long have you and Paula Reyes been working together?
Paula and I have known each other since 2017, which was the year she founded the company. She was a corps de ballet dancer in the company until 2019 when she became the lead dancer. Currently, she is the deputy director of the company and my right hand.
What would you like our readers and the audiences to know about “Luxurîa” that you feel has not been written about?
“Luxurîa” has been a step in my evolution as an artist, capturing a more mature David Gutiérrez. It has been a big jump and will serve as a learning experience for future creations.
“Luxuria” – David Gutiérrez and Paula Reyes – Photo courtesy of Barcelona Flamenco Ballet
Are you excited about performing at the Alex Theater and will you be able to see parts of Los Angeles while you are here?
For me it is a dream. It will be my first time in Los Angeles, and just thinking about all the great artists who visit and have visited this city, I am eager for the day to come. Above all, we are proud to be working hand-in-hand with the Alex Theater.
Luckily, I was able to reserve two days to tour the city. I couldn’t go to Los Angeles and stay without exploring it.What other cities in the US will you be performing in?
We are planning a big tour and will visit cities including Miami, Phoenix, Laredo, Sun Valley, Newark, Boerne, and Minneapolis.
Barcelona Flamenco Ballet – David Gutiérrez and Paula Reyes in Luxurîa – Photo by Victor Parreño
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WHAT:
Barcelona Flamenco Ballet performing Luxurîa by Director and Choreographer: David Gutiérrez
WHEN:
Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m.
WHERE:
Alex Theatre
216 North Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91203
TICKETS:
$25-$100
To purchase tickets and for more information, including up-to-date Covid-19 safety protocols on the day of the performance, call (818) 254-8456 or go to alextheatre.org.
Check website for up-to-date Covid-19 safety protocols on the day of the performance.
VIDEO: Click HERE to view the promo video.
To learn more about Barcelona Flamenco Ballet, please visit their website.
To find out more about the Alex Theatre’s performance season, please visit its website.
Written by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle. Please follow us on Facebook, and on Instagram and on Twitter.
Featured image: “Luxurîa” – Barcelona Flamenco Ballet – David Gutiérrez and Paula Reyes – Photo courtesy of the company
