Flamenco En Rouge!
The passion of Spain’s native dance takes center stage
this Saturday night as Flamenco En Rouge brings the heat to the Company House
in Halifax. Recently we spoke with Martine Durier-Copp of the troupe about
what audiences can expect.
What got you into Flamenco?
There is a
universal nature to flamenco, akin to the blues. It speaks of human
experiences and emotions in a way that cuts across national boundaries and
language. I first saw flamenco in Spain in my late teens, and it left me
speechless. The raw emotionality, the drama, the expressiveness resonated in a
way that no other art form had. My continued, frequent travels to Spain have
only intensified that passion. And, as you may know, Flamenco was declared a
Universal World Heritage by UNESCO, underlying its universal appeal!
Are they the same reasons you do it
today?
Totally, but
with life’s experience, with time and maturity, one can further understand some
of the pathos and more tragic elements of flamenco jondo (deep) in a way
that perhaps eluded one in the past…
What
are the challenges involved?
It is a highly complex and demanding art form, which
is very demanding on body, mind, and emotion. It needs to be learned directly
from teachers in Spain. Flamenco is transmitted through an oral tradition, and
therefore is not “codified” in textbooks or manuals. The only way to truly
learn and understand is to study in Spain. There are so many “traditions’
related to how apalo (form) is danced, sung or played on guitar. Each major
city in Andalucia has its own style and nuances. A major component is
improvisation, but improvisation within established and traditional structures!
Again, taught through oral tradition! For a dancer (bailaora), flamenco is
demanding in terms of zapateado (rhythmic footwork), with respect to body
positioning which is very different from other dance forms, and in terms of the
emotionality which must be conveyed. The entire body dances, while supported by
complex and technically demanding rhythmic patterns which are produced by the
footwork. The baile must convey what is sung in the letras (words). Most
importantly, it needs to draw from that great font of history, tradition,
collective memory and convey those to audiences in a way that is alive,
inspiring, and authentic. For me, flamenco is a deeply spiritual experience.
What
are the rewards?
Beyond words! Flamenco nourishes the soul in a way
that is difficult to describe. One attains a state of “universality” with the
emotions and feelings, words, and music conveyed in a way that must be
experienced. Audiences feel it. At the end of a performance, they will be moved
and if those emotions have been effectively communicated, there is a “communion”
of the spirit.
When
did the troupe come together?
Some of us have been together for over ten years!!
Interestingly, our guest artist, Irena Dumicz and I go back to over a decade,
and then life ‘s circumstances took us to different parts of the country. That
is why our October 3rd show is call Flamenco reunion
(Reencuentro flamenco). Flamenco en Rouge was born over two years ago, with a
shared common vision of musicians and dancers to communicate authentic,
traditional flamenco in a way that keeps this art form alive.
What
can audiences expect this Saturday night?
Audiences can expect a vibrant, dynamic and colourful
show that will showcase the range of flamenco forms – from deeply sorrowful, to
playful, to joyful…Irena Dumicz, who has studied flamenco cante and baile in
Spain, will be our guest artist, and will perform a beautiful Bolero, a
Farruca, and will, of course, accompany the dancers in several pieces.
Is
enough being done to promote Flamenco here in Halifax and Atlantic Canada?
There are several schools and students of flamenco
here in Nova Scotia. I would like to see more grants available for dancers,
singers and musicians to study in Spain. Irena had a Canada Council grant to
study in Sevilla for over 6 months. I train annually in Jerez de la Frontera
and Algeciras for a month. More funding support for artists would be welcome.
What's
next on the troupe's agenda?
We are developing new choreographies, and have quite a
busy winter, with several performances lined up….we are always moving on to our next
project!!
Flamenco
En Rouge
Saturday, October 3, 8pm
The Company House, Halifax
www.flamencoenrouge.com
Photo Credit; Anne Launcelott
