Compañía Azul
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| Photo by Paul Vienneau |
Fans
of flamenco are in for a real treat this weekend as Compañía Azul takes over the
Neptune Studio Theatre on Friday and Saturday night for two soirees of Spanish
passion. Recently AE spoke with one of the troupe’s principal dancers
Sandra Bornemann about what audiences can expect to experience.
What got you into flamenco?
I have
always loved dancing and have studied dance since the age of 4. However, the
first time I saw flamenco dance, I was blown away! The passion, rhythms,
unapologetic emotions and brazen attitude - it drew me in and I craved more.
Initially I was too intimidated by the complex hand movements and footwork
technique to try it out myself. Eventually however, in my mid-twenties I found
a flamenco school and began taking classes. That was 8 years ago and there's
been no looking back!
Are they the same reasons you do
it today?
Definitely!
And the reasons I do it have only increased with time. I love the power and
confidence embedded within the femininity of the movements. I love that deep
emotion and strength are intertwined. I love that there is no body
ideal or age limit in flamenco dance and that flamenco dancers are rather
considered to improve with age. Additionally, through teaching flamenco dance
in Halifax and now in the Annapolis Valley, I love that I have the opportunity
to meet and connect with many amazing people who are drawn to the art form for
many of the same reasons as myself.
What are the challenges involved?
Flamenco
is certainly a demanding art form - and finding ample time to dedicate to the
study and training of flamenco can be challenging, especially now that I have a
young child at home. There are also physical demands (I have lost my fair share
of toenails!) that present challenges But at the same time flamenco has also
given me the ability to build strength both in body and character that I never
had before.
What are the rewards?
Flamenco
has proved to be an incredible physical and emotional outlet! Having flamenco
in my life has allowed me to explore deep emotions and push my body to its
limits, while at the same time also keeping me grounded and functional.
“I love
the power and confidence embedded within the femininity of the movements. I love
that deep emotion and strength are intertwined. I love that there is
no body ideal or age limit in flamenco dance and that flamenco dancers are
rather considered to improve with age.”
Why so long between performances
for you?
Although
it has been just over a year since performing in Halifax, in that
time Compañía Azul has had the opportunity to showcase performances
across the country. Additionally, the time in between our Halifax shows has
been spent both in bringing our existing material to the next level as well as
working on creating new material. I personally am very much in awe of
Megan and the musicians in the group (Dan, Bob, Sean and Ian) who have all
worked so hard in creating new original music and choreography for this
performance. I know that we are all excited to be sharing that work with
audiences at these upcoming shows.
What can audiences expect this
weekend?
Eighty
minutes of beauty, intensity, strength and passion.
What is the response like
generally from audiences?
Incredible!
I find that many people are moved by flamenco music and dance much as I always
have been, and responses are usually overwhelmingly positive. My favourite
performances are when audience members are so inspired by the music and rhythms
that they join in with shouts of "Ole!"
Are we
doing enough to promote flamenco here in Halifax and Atlantic Canada?
I have
been impressed by the ever increasing interest in flamenco across Atlantic
Canada and am thrilled to see sold-out shows and seats filled with engaged
audience members.
What can we be doing better?
More
opportunities for flamenco! I find that I still run into many people who do not
know what to expect from a flamenco performance. The more that flamenco music
and dance can be showcased and shared with audiences, the better!
What's next on your agenda?
I have
already begun working on new ideas and pieces to add to Compañía
Azul's repertoire for future performances. As we continue with that
work for our next show(s) as a group, I will also be focusing on teaching
flamenco dance classes in Wolfville, NS (my hometown) and building further opportunities
for flamenco dance here in the Annapolis Valley.
Compañía Azul
Friday,
September 20 & Saturday, September 21, 8pm
Neptune
Studio Theatre, Halifax
