Ballet Nacional de España (BNE) brings its artistry to the Tel Aviv Performing Arts Center (TAPAC), as part of Tel Aviv Dance 2009, with two works choreographed by Director José Antonio: Aires de Villa y Corte (Arias of the Village and Court) and La Leyenda (The Legend). Performances will take place November 4 – 7.
Antonio created La Leyenda as a tribute to the legendary flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya who performed at the Café del Manquet in the 1930s. Her dance style was intensive, strong and fast – transforming Amaya into a symbol of the Spanish temperament. Those, like Antonio, who knew the person behind the symbol, describe a petite, sensitive woman. Created with respect and admiration, the dance references moments in Amaya’s life and career; conveying a sense of her unique mixture of strength and fragility.
Aires de Villa y Corte takes the audience to Madrid of the 18th Century, with scenes from court dances and the life of the common folk. The “Bolero” school of dance popular at that time demanded perfect technique and combined music and dance, with the use of castanets. The dance is set to music composed José Nieto.
The BNE was founded by the Spanish Ministry of Culture in 1978, with Antonio Gades as its first artistic director. José Antonio served as artistic director from 1986 – 1992, returning in 2004. Born in Madrid and performing as a dancer since the age of 8, Antonio has received many awards for his work, including the Medalla de Oro at Mérito en las Bellas Artes, given by the Spanish Ministry of Culture in 2005.
Performances:
Israeli Opera – TAPAC
November 4 & 5 at 20:00, November 6 at 13:00 and November 7 at 21:00
Tickets: 03-6927777, www.israel-opera.co.il
