Venue (): East Crosscauseway
Category: Dance
Times: 8:00pm
Dates: til Aug 31st
Stars: ****
Reviewed by Mary Woodward
Alba Flamenca are based in Edinburgh and perform and teach flamenco all year round: for the Fringe they give nightly performances of this art form in their small and intimate venue. No previous experience of flamenco is expected but no real explanation or introduction is given, apart from the naming of each particular dance form.
I am so ignorant of flamenco I was not even aware that there are different dance forms within it: but this didnt stop me having an exhilarating time! Two singers, two dancers, a guy who played tea chest were joined by a staggeringly talented guitarist who continued to impress even without his D string, which broke in the middle of one of his explosive firework displays. Cascades of notes and rhythmic slaps and taps intertwine with the singers voices and the dancers feet in a glorious and dramatic flood of passion and intensity.
Flamenco has a language of gesture and rhythm which is unknown to me, but neither that nor a lack of Spanish to understand the songs prevent enjoyment and appreciation of the impressive skills displayed here. Proud women almost aggressively challenge the audience with their strong gestures, poses, rhythmic stamping, and sinuous and expressive dancing; the singers pour out a flood of intense emotion, and the audience responds with cheers and shouts of appreciation.
The final number in which each of the performers in turn, including the previously silent and intent tea chest player, light up the stage with a joyous celebration of their art form, was greeted with laughter and applause and sent us dancing out into the Edinburgh night.
SG Fringe 