National Ballet of Spain

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Image courtesy of Gran Teatre del Lideu.

The National Ballet of Spain presents a unique performance at the Gran Teatre del Liceu, choreographed by Marcos Morau. The show aims to bridge the gap between dance and photography, specifically the work of Colombian fashion photographer Ruvén Afanador.

Afanador, known for his celebrity portraits, also has a deep connection to flamenco. He's published two books on the subject (Ángel Gitano and Mil Besos) and designed a poster for the Flamenco Biennial in 2008.

Morau, award-winning director of La Veronal dance company, is inspired by Afanador's ability to sculpt characters and create evocative light and shadow. This photographic approach nourishes Morau's choreography, which aims to capture the raw beauty and emotional depth of flamenco.

Morau, initially an outsider to flamenco culture, has become captivated by its "direct and sharp" language. This production is an exciting experiment that hybridizes the languages of photography and dance, creating a "new universe" inspired by Afanador's unique perspective.

The dancers of the National Ballet of Spain, under the direction of Rubén Olmo, will bring Afanador's visual interpretation of flamenco to life. Morau describes flamenco as a dance that holds both joy and lament, celebrating life despite its hardships. He sees Afanador's lens as capturing this essence, highlighting the powerful, sometimes dark beauty of the art form.

Ultimately, Morau's work aims to breathe life into Afanador's characters, allowing them to co-exist with contemporary dance. It's a performance that celebrates the past and present, constantly searching for new ways to express the spirit of flamenco.

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