Ultramar Festival in Denia
A weekend of modern dance comes to Dénia
Contemporary dance – a genre that covers a multitude of sins and so many styles that it can adapt to almost any scenario, storyline, theme, costume design, music – and even century. Just because you've seen one, doesn't mean you've seen them all, because every artist's own version is different from the last.
That's why you shouldn't miss a single performance at Dénia's Ultramar Dansa Festival this weekend, and at just €6 for each night, there's very little reason not to go along.
The festival's name translates as 'overseas dance', although many of the artists are from right here on our shores, or even Dénia itself – that said, at least one ancient legend from the other side of the world is retold through moves and music.
Both evenings' showings are at the Social Centre and start at 20.30, with tickets on sale at the door from two hours before.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
■ Taishokan
Erotic, sensual and gripping, the traditional Japanese legend of Taishokan was updated for stage in the 19th century and Lorenza di Calogero – winner of Best Dancer in the Valencia Performing Arts Awards 2019 – fleshes out the fisherman's wife, expert diver and mother of the heir to the Empire. The Great Octopus, king of the depth of the seas, steals an invaluable gem which would have taken pride of place on the temple of the future Emperor, and Lorenza throws herself in at the deep end to rescue it. The sensual but brutal underwater battle between her and the king – or is it all a dream? - is set to atmospheric music by the talented Daniel Benedito in this action-packed 20-minute show.
■ Alquimia ('Alchemy') Starring the young, up-andcoming dance group Futures Promess – and they have plenty of that, it seems – and directed by María Carbonell, this captivating 60-minute performance is not based upon a storyline or a specific theme, like the others; it's simply a brilliant show of spectacular footwork. Put your own feet up (okay, not literally) and enjoy the amazing moves, breathtaking agility and fabulous soundtrack.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Eran Casi Las Dos ('It was almost two o'clock')
A thriller set to electro-pop music and modern dance, Carmen Fumero and Miguel Ballabriga – finalist in the Spain's Best Dancer Max Awards – keep the audience on the edge of their seats as they drop hints about what happened at 'nearly two o'clock', and have them guessing until the very last second of this gripping 42-minute show. Dramatic effects are enhanced to goosebump-inducing levels with the help of Daniel Flors' background music.
■ Relaciones ('Relationships') Do we choose our relationships, or do they choose us? Are we aware of either? Toni Aparisi and Iris Pintos dig deep into our connections with others, of all types – physical, emotional, temporary, spatial – and consider whether all these elements come together at once. An attempt to answer our burning questions on the meaning of life and social interactions, and curiously, through music and dance, and all in just 20 minutes.