Caravan
World Rhythms Society Date: 7
March 2004 Reviewer: June Heywood |
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Passion permeated the performance in the rhythms of clapping hands, strumming instruments, and wildly tapping feet. Eva and her company of six dancers and seven musicians wowed the audience in "an intimate evening of theatrical dance--magnificently imaginative" and stunning in its ability to draw on human emotion. Flamenco usually consists
of a "conversation" between the dancer, the singers, and the
musicians. In this performance, the musicians, led by Paco Jarana (composer,
guitarist and Eva's husband) remained in the background except when featured.
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The heart of the show was a long solo by Eva which began with her subtle body arched backwards at 45 degrees. Then she danced, as a woman possessed. One moment her zapateado (footwork) sounded like hailstones on a window. The next her brazos (arm movements) seemed like flowers fluidly rising to greet the sun. Unlike traditional flamenco where the body is held taut and the attitude is haughty, Eva's body was lithe and sensuous. The costumes were splendid. The black dresses lined with flame red petticoats could have been worn to a dinner/dance. The simple white fitted dresses would not look out of place on a bride. The male dancers' suits almost could be worn on the street. The lighting changes,
colours, and spots detracted at times from the dancers, singers, and musicians. This was Eva Yerbabuena and her troupe's only stop in Canada. We were treated to a memorable show. Audience members came by bus load from the lower mainland and beyond to enjoy this flirty, sensuous evening of passion. They left sated and satisfied. © 2004, June Heywood
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