Rafael Aguilar flamenco troupe brings Carmen to Beijing

Clap your hands and say “olé!” The Ballet Teatro Español Rafael Aguilar, a 35-dancer ballet-flamenco crossover troupe, comes to Beijing with a flamenco interpretation of Carmen, another peek into what is increasingly a popular dance form for Beijingers.

“Flamenco is technically so difficult, and there’s also the rhythm and heat of the dance. It makes you breathless,” says Ou Jianping, a Beijing-based dance critic who recently produced a documentary about Flamenco for CCTV.

Originally a gypsy-folk dance, flamenco is now regarded as a key part of Spain’s cultural heritage. Rafael Aguilar, the Ecuadorian who founded the Ballet Teatro in 1960 with his wife, Manuela Aguilar, led the company until his death, in 1995. Though he did not launch his career until his 30s, Aguilar’s performances were lauded across Europe and he eventually became the choreographer for the National Ballet in Madrid. His work, which mixes classical ballet and the pounding rhythms and steps of flamenco, is often credited with fostering artistic respect for the traditional dance.

Aguilar’s portrayal of Carmen is infused with the history of flamenco and even Spain itself.

What started off as small gatherings in Andalusia has now gained worldwide recognition. People like Aguilar and Carmen Salinas, the former dancer who now directs the Ballet Teatro have been responsible for its growing popularity.

Over the past three years, Beijing has received many dancers and performers from Spain, and flamenco has gained a devoted following. Flamenco’s popularity in here is no mystery to Ou, who notes how warmly the Chinese welcomed past performances like Aida Gomez’s 2004 contemporary production of Salome. “The Chinese are fascinated by technique,” Ou explained.

Carmen Salinas defines flamenco as “the kind of music and dance that you feel in your stomach.” She says, “It’s not soft and tender and it’s sometimes disturbing as it’s not easy to separate the music from the tap dancing and castañolas.” Indeed, it’s this mix of aesthetics that reinvents George Bizet’s classical piece.

“If you don’t break the rules, it’s hard to express anything freely,” assesses Ou. If you don’t feel the beat of Carmen’s flamenco in your body by the end, you’ve missed the essence of the show.

Fernanda Morena da Silva

What: Ballet Teatro Espafiol
When: Nightly from 7-9pm
Where: Tianqiao Theater
How Much: ¥180-1,280
Web: www.piao.com.cn