An accent on excitement
FOLKMENCO Hernandez Tamayo Spanish Dance Theatre Moonah Arts Centre May 19
AS the five performers of the newly formed dance company Hernandez Tamayo enter the stage, the simple act of walking forward with the subtlest shift of shoulders highlights their powerful presence.
These are world-class performers. Beautiful harmonies emanate from the group, which eventually settles into a more casual gathering, drinking wine around a long table.
Jesus Olmedo introduces the audience to traditional folk sounds of the cajon, while Marina Tamayo and Aitor Hernandez Sanzano begin a dance partnership that weaves through several duos in the show.
While previous works Inertia and Emerald were more contemporary, folKmenco draws on traditional Spanish dance forms. Guest artists for all three works are Spanish guitarist Johnathon Abatte Ramirez, with fabulous flamenco dancer and musician Olmedo and passionate Madrid singer Rut Santamaria Llorente.
Hernandez is a former dancer from the Ballet Nacional de Espana. Along with Tamayo, they represent extremes of Spanish dance tradition. They have come together as equally strong contributors to their creative vision.
Trained in southern gypsy culture from the Gitanos de Granada, Tamayo is vibrant and strong. The taller Hernandez, from a more formalised classical tradition, gives technical precision. Together they are fascinating to watch as they meld old and new styles.
Changing the mood and using different stage levels, Hernandez’s solos show off his refined skills with castanets and a classical style. He is joined by Olmedo in an uplifting duo that demonstrates how very different bodies, training and personalities contend with the demands of such amazingly strict unison.
In contrast Tamayo’s solos are wild and expressive. Soft arms are a foil for the complexity of her lower body.
Complex patterns overlap as Olmedo takes to the stage showing off his multiple skills and speed in footwork.
With a more classical focus, the second half builds to a crescendo of rich and rousing rhythms with plenty of jaleo and alegrias.
This is a wonderful performance that embraces the audience in happiness.
— LESLEY GRAHAM