MANILA, Philippines—Directly from the heart of Seville, Spain, the Granada Flamenco Ballet is poised to captivate Philippine audiences with their enthralling rendition of “Báilame (Dance for Me)” for the very first time. Performances are scheduled for September 20 and 21 at the Casino Español de Cebu in Cebu City and on September 22 and 23 at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater) within the CCP Complex.
This spectacular production is the result of a collaborative effort between the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Embassy of Spain in Manila, the Casino Español de Cebu, and the Flamenco Agency from Seville. It serves as a commemoration of the 75-year diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Spain.
Image Courtesy of Flamenco Agency.
Margie Moran-Floirendo, CCP vice-chair, remarked, “Granada Flamenco Ballet is more than a dance ensemble; they are the living testament to the art form that has influenced many Filipinos. The fusion of history and artistry promises an unforgettable experience that will resonate with both seasoned Flamenco enthusiasts and newcomers to the scene.”
“Báilame” is a ballet performance that places a strong emphasis on achieving a harmonious balance between music and dance. This show eschews a traditional plot, instead focusing entirely on the mesmerizing movements of the dancers.
The repertoire for this Philippine premiere will center around the sensations and emotions evoked by the sounds of Flamenco shoes, castanets, and various acoustics, as well as the profound silences that accompany the dance.
Traditional dance reimagined
Image Courtesy of Flamenco Agency.
Founded in 2007 by Dr. Jaime Trancoso, the Granada Flamenco Ballet has earned a global reputation for hosting some of Spain’s finest Flamenco artists. They’ve performed at prestigious international venues like the National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House in Beijing, Shanghai International Dance Center Grand Theatre, Aga Khan Museum in Canada, and Teatro Campoamor de Oviedo in Spain.
While preserving traditional Flamenco elements, the Granada Flamenco Ballet fearlessly explores fusion, consistently exceeding expectations in each performance, as shared by CCP president Michelle Nikki Junia.
Flamenco dances, known for their storytelling through graceful movements and intricate footwork, hold a significant place in both Spanish and Philippine dance traditions. Spain’s influence in the 16th century gave birth to the Philippines’ national dance, Cariñosa, and other Flamenco-inspired folk dances, still celebrated today.
CCP artistic director Dennis Marasigan notes the deep-rooted love for dance among Filipinos and how this performance showcases its origins while celebrating diverse cultural influences.
By bringing authentic Flamenco to local stages, CCP enriches cultural experiences for Filipino audiences and hopes to inspire the younger generation to engage with the arts.
Tickets for the Granada Flamenco Ballet’s “Báilame” are available in Cebu (Php800 to Php1,000) and Manila (Php2,000) with discounts for students, PWDs, and senior citizens. Purchase tickets at Ticketworld and learn more at https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/.