Flamenco’s steps to empower
Spanish flamenco dancer’s new work is a meditation on women’s power.
SPANISH dancer Maria Carrasco returns to Malaysia with a flamenco piece Que No Daria Yo at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) in Petaling Jaya on Nov 13.
Que No Daria Yo premiered in Spain this year, with a theatre run there. This is the first time it will be performed outside Carrasco’s home country.
“A flamenco show is intense, full of emotions. It is an art form that explores the feelings that are transmitted through voice, music and movement. It has the capacity to bring the audience on a journey through its deepest feelings and emotions,” says Carrasco, who is known as the Flamenco Dance Queen.
It is hardly surprising then, that the creation of the 10-piece Que No Daria Yo was inspired by matters close to Madrid-born Carrasco’s heart.
This performance revolves around the world of “the couple”, with a heavy focus on the woman’s perspective and vision.
“I was inspired by the stories of many women from the past and also women in present day. I also drew on the power of love that can create beautiful things, just as it can destroy all,” she says.
Times may have changed, Carrasco ponders, but we cannot forget what women have experienced throughout history: their battles, their loneliness and insecurities, but also their strength to overcome it all.
“It is in our blood, it is in our DNA. I strongly believe we carry inside us, these stories and memories from our ancestors. Quo No Daria Yo talks about submission, but also freedom. It talks about ties but also of the will to break them and start over,” she explains.
To Carrasco, who started dancing when she was four, dance is “the most complete art that we have”.
“Humans have always danced, even prehistoric tribes danced to express their moods, their worries, their fears, their joys,” she muses.
One of the things she finds interesting about flamenco its roots are found in a mix of cultures and influences.
“It originated in Andalusia, as a result of the coexistence of many cultures and music: gypsies, immigrant Castilians, Muslims, Jews and local folklore. African influences were incorporated from black Africans who passed through Andalusia and also from the Caribbean who immigrated to Spain. Thus, flamenco is a harmonic mix of different races and cultures,” she says.
In Que No Daria Yo, Carrasco will be accompanied by Paco Martin (dancer), Patricia Prieto (singer), Carlos Oggaz (guitarist) and Odei Lizaso (percussionist).
Presented by Ballet Flamenco Maria Carrasco and organised by the Embassy of Spain in Malaysia, in collaboration with DPAC, this is a one-night-only show.
She was last here in KL in November last year for Concierto Flamenco and describes the Malaysian experience as “wonderful in every way”.
“That is why we are so happy to come back this year with another flamenco show. I am delighted to return and have the opportunity to repeat this experience with Kuala Lumpur’s wonderful audience.
“We hope to share the strength and simplicity of flamenco, an art that is so lively and so unique. Last year the audience left the theatre dancing and tapping their feet. I hope this year will be the same,” she concludes.
Quo No Daria Yo runs for approximately 80 minutes.
Quo No Daria Yo is on at Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC), Damansara Perdana in Petaling Jaya, Selangor on Nov 13 at 8pm. Tickets: RM68 (public) and RM60 (Dcard members). More info: www.dpac.com.my or call 03-4065 0001/0002.