Flamenco and Riverdance

[ladyjane]

Yay! This thread is going as I hoped: lots of links to here at programmes, some of which I had forgotten. And some education on dance into the bargain. Thank you folks. And, eh..., more links are still very welcome.

 

[VIETgrlTerifa]

I'm not a fan either, but this and Carmen FDs were just amazing - Krylova's looks, intensity of character really made Flamenco authentic, passionate and vibrant on ice, in these two programs she really looked like a woman possessed (which I really love when it feels sincere and in line with musical theme of the program). In flamenco FD I love how her body movement and expression accentuated rhythm changes and transitions in-and-out for guitar parts (the one at the beginning was fantastic, she was able to fill the transition with the body movement that felt like another note).

Personally, I just loved Sara Hurtado/Adria Diaz's Paso Doble SD in 2014/15 season with so strong Flamenco influence/feel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LKxDfbR_RA. The poses, upper body tightness, rhythmic perfection in movement and those hands - they really felt natural in this dance, authentic to their Spanish roots.

Another one to which I come back very often is Pechalat/Bourzat Flamenco OD from 2007/08 season, choreographed by Antonio Najarro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZPRencOHCw. I love everything about that dance - costumes, prop play, poses, partnering, musicality, chemistry; non-touching step sequence, first stationary lift and transition to spin were simply fantastic.

Absolutely beautiful post and thank you so much for reminding me about Pechalat/Bourzat's 2007-2008 OD. That really was one of the best flamenco programs ever and that fan prop use was perfection.

Another flamenco program. This is not the most "flamenco" flamenco program, but it's harder for single skaters to recreate the dance with all the jumps and spins. Still, I love this SP from Michelle Kwan and I think she captured the essence perfectly. Hard to believe she was only 15 here:

https://youtu.be/qGvRCis1upE?t=47

 

[Clairecz]

Here are Stephane Lambiel AND Antonio Najarro together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M4kx7nJvqI

and slightly off topic: Javi with Antonio Najarro and other members of the National Ballet of Spain dancing Malaguena: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqGafaciEPc (and here with a short interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fg1qHtfZVA)

 

[elbkup]

Mao Asada did both SP and FS to Falla's "Ritual Fire Dance" in 2016 without much competitive success tho both programs were beautifully choreographed and lovely to watch... her SP was the piano version only and FS was full orchestra.
I am posting again a film clip from Antonio Gades 1986 "El Amor Brujo" including the Ritual Fire Dance and Danza del Fuego Fatuo, both done in traditional flameno style danced by Carlos Saura and Christina Hoyos... just marvelous!!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftd8tIdiYq4
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XpG_wvdhkRM

And from Gades film "Carmen"...
Habanera
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yFjeWWfm4U8

And.... Escena Pelicula
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nFZsGCNdbqs
(Flamenco dance steps from the floor...)

 

[NoNameFace]

Absolutely beautiful post and thank you so much for reminding me about Pechalat/Bourzat's 2007-2008 OD. That really was one of the best flamenco programs ever and that fan prop use was perfection.

Another flamenco program. This is not the most "flamenco" flamenco program, but it's harder for single skaters to recreate the dance with all the jumps and spins. Still, I love this SP from Michelle Kwan and I think she captured the essence perfectly. Hard to believe she was only 15 here:

https://youtu.be/qGvRCis1upE?t=47

Nathalie and Fabian along with Kerr siblings really stood out for me that season in terms of originality - what I appreciated the most from their Flamenco was getting into character of the music without changing its meaning, making it quieter or like more 'appropriate': from loudness of costumes, fan as a prop, 'big' movement of arms, sharp posing, dance steps everything complimented the music in such rich way, engaging audience in the process. And on more superficial side, I've always loved Pechalat/Bourzat's attention to detail in costuming/styling (the same case I have now with Gilles/Poirier): this earring in Fabian's ear, slicked hair, Nathalie's vibrant make-up, dress full of ruffles and as close in length to Flamenco dresses as she could have (another example of not compromising over authenticity of the theme/music/program).

 

[Oreo]

Thought of another one... Belbin and Agosto 2006: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mwAw6fNslxo Not nearly in the league of Anissina and Peizerat’s flamenco, it still has some nice moments.

 

[mermaidfestavol3]

Akiko Suzuki also did a few programs to music from Bill Whelan (composer of Riverdance), mostly Firedance.

Here is her Andalucia/Firedance program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVeDBsnLwTw&frags=pl%2Cwn

And here is her program to only Firedance: https://youtu.be/BGzvQce3x-E

 

[ladyjane]

Akiko Suzuki also did a few programs to music from Bill Whelan (composer of Riverdance), mostly Firedance.

Here is her Andalucia/Firedance program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVeDBsnLwTw&frags=pl%2Cwn

And here is her program to only Firedance: https://youtu.be/BGzvQce3x-E

That costume (wow!). And isn't Akiko just always a joy to watch. Thanks!

 

[Jaana]

Anyone who's been to Granada in Spain will know about the version presented to tourists.That's not the version I'm referring to, I really like the more authentic version where you have ladies in their sixties performing the perfect dance, and, my favourite, the solo male dancers. Sometimes they're not even wearing the traditional clothing, but turn up in jeans and it's still breathtaking to watch (do watch the film 'Vengo'. The storyline is incomprehensible but the dancing is superb).

I have seen fantastic flamenco performances in Sevilla in 1963. People in that outside restaurant seemed to be locals, we got a tip from our hotel, IIRC. The dancers were from various ages. Somehow I can really feel that kind of music in my bones, but have never warmed towards Riverdance, although the music was very popular even here when it was new.

Javier´s sp from WC 2017 was awesome!!!

 

[BillNeal]

A lot of my favourites have been mentioned already including V/M's flamenco, Lambiel's Poeta, B/K's Riverdance.

Young Coomes and Buckland did an Irish Folk Dance for their Vancouver OD. First time I noticed them. Maybe not the most polished or difficult but the program did suit their skill level at the time. Has some nice footwork moments, lifts are highlights and I like their less conventional costume choice. Audience enjoyed it as they were booing at the judges for giving them low scores: https://youtu.be/BlQdbpZnxGY?t=4992

 

[Harriet]

Young Coomes and Buckland did an Irish Folk Dance for their Vancouver OD. First time I noticed them. Maybe not the most polished or difficult but the program did suit their skill level at the time. Has some nice footwork moments, lifts are highlights and I like their less conventional costume choice. Audience enjoyed it as they were booing at the judges for giving them low scores: https://youtu.be/BlQdbpZnxGY?t=4992

That's really lovely - thanks for the link! I identified about three different pieces from the Riverdance score in there, but they blended them really well, and I like that her dress is more of a variation on the costumes you see at Irish dance competitions than one copied from the stage show.

 

[Azikin]

Yes, it's a total gem... as well as that Jason's program... I love Riverdance, it's an absolutely amazing show... I can especially recommend the DVD Riverdance - Live From New York City1997..