reviews
27 July 2006
While mild-mannered, bespectacled Spanish guitarist Ricardo Garcia works humble magic from his centre-stage seat, two of dance's cockiest forms spar. A proud-bordering-on-snooty flamenco dancer in a flowing gown stomps it old-school as an Eminemmy hip-hopper in street clothes breaks phat moves around her. She claps her hands. He stands on his head. This is Flamenco con Fusion. A little flamenco, a little confusion, mostly impeccable. Indeed, intermingling the traditional Spanish form with urban dance is surprisingly seamless for this bunch, but what strikes us more is the dancers' nonchalant yet gentle interaction -- and the way Garcia sits back, strumming complex melodies he could probably replicate in his sleep. Sensual and funky, this is one slick dance duel.
LINDSEY WARD