Lately, I've been spending evenings watching Carlos Saura films. These wonderfully directed films examine the spirit of dance. His films Flamenco and Salome are both depictions of flamenco dancing. Flamenco takes place in a train station and emphasizes the technique of dance. I just love the guajira dance piece in the film. Guajira is a style of flamenco that originated in Cuba, and involves use of elaborate costumes, fans and a flirtacious style of dancing. Other highlights in the film include the always fiery and passionate performance of Joaquin Cortes, and the beautiful costuming used in the alegrias dance.
Salome emphasizes storytelling, recounting the Biblical story of Kind Herod and his stepdaughter Salome. Salome veers a bit from traditional flamenco dance, as many of the dancers seemed to have a strong ballet background as well. It was the perfect postmodern fusion of the two respective dance styles.
Next I'm looking forward to viewing a different style of dance in another Carlos Saura film, Tango.
Salome emphasizes storytelling, recounting the Biblical story of Kind Herod and his stepdaughter Salome. Salome veers a bit from traditional flamenco dance, as many of the dancers seemed to have a strong ballet background as well. It was the perfect postmodern fusion of the two respective dance styles.
Next I'm looking forward to viewing a different style of dance in another Carlos Saura film, Tango.
