golfmom

I'm a total novice when it comes to Flamenco. However, my two daughters (20 and 22) and I would like to go to at least one performance (or two) while in Spain for 10 days. We have options and I'm asking for help. These are our possibilities: In Madrid - October 9 at Casa Patas with Paloma Fantova or October 9 and 10 at Cardamomo with Kelian Jimenez y Auxi Fernandez. In Sevilla - October 11 at Casa de Memoria with Maribel Ramos "Zambra".
Which performance(s) would you suggest? Thank you.

lincasanova

Don't miss Casa de la Memoria even though you may have seen flamenco elsewhere. It is a very unique intimate setting around a historical courtyard and NOT a place with drinks and food. Just the show. I hope kimhe will chime in with her performer expertise here about which venue in Madrid.

kimhe

Any of these options would be great. I think I would've chosen to see up and coming Paloma Fantova in Casa Patas, but both Auxi Fernandez (25) and Kelian Jimenez (29) have danced in the companies of two of the greatest; Sara Baras and Antonio Canales. Casa de la Memória with Maribel Ramos should also be an experience.

Just a pity that you aren't able to see Pastora Galván in Casa de la Memória on the 8th or 15th. A week ago she threw off one of the best performances in the most prestigious flamenco festival in the world, the Bienal de flamenco in Sevilla (Sept. 15th to Oct.9) to raving reviews. In Casa de la Memória you would have had an up-front experience with one of the finest flamenco dancers alive.

But anyhow, you are in for the real deal with any of these artists. And remember, flamenco is just as much, or even more, about the song (cante) and guitar (toque) as the dance. All the performances will include top singers and guitarists as well, and you might be in for a surprise or two.

And lin, Kim is a boys and dogs name here in Norway

lincasanova

sorry... so it is HIS expertise.. Whenever I can get myself back up to Madrid I will definitely be asking for your advice.

P.S. I have dog's name, too, in Spain. I have learned to stop turing around when I hear the old ladies calling "Linda, Linda" as it is a frequent miniature poodle name.

golfmom

Thank you for your help! I'll make reservations for Paloma Fantova and Maribel Ramos.

kimhe

Good choice, might be two great flamenco experiences in quite different settings. Enjoy!

golfmom

We could go to either the 9 PM or midnight performance at Casa Patas. Do you have a preference?

kimhe

The midnight performance would normally be livelier, more unpredictable and hence better.

golfmom

Thanks!

Egbert

kimhe you were in Sevilla for the Bienial?

kimhe

Egbert,

Yes, saw Rocío Molina for the seventh time in three years as well as two "espectáculos" with some of the best from respectively Jerez and Cadiz.

Molina is out of this world, but this time Joaquin Grilo dancing to Moraitos guitar in "Jerez. La Uva y el Cante" was the absolute flamenco highlight. Rancapino in the patio of Hotel Triana was also next to magic. Also saw Pastora Galván in Casa de la Memória, and some days later she made her definitive breakthrough as one of the absolute finest bailaoras of our time in Teatro Lope de Vega. Here in housedress and knee-socks, dancing a modernistic tribute to how the older women dance in the Andalusian patios:
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2010/0...285660591.html

amsdon

Ha! There is no way Pastora can look frumpy even in that attempt.! I would re-wrok my schedule to see her if I were anywhere near that in Spain.

See you on the other flamenco post..