Spanish Federation of Dance Companies Network
À L’ESPAGNOLE, a scenic fantasy Compañia Antonio Ruz

À l’Espagnole is a scenic fantasy based in the artistic cross-fertilisation between Spain and France throughout history, specially in the XVII Th century: one of the most fertile periods in the long history of Spanish influences in French society, a time in which the image of Spain in the cultural life of its neighbouring country varied its colour depending on the political events that marked the Parisian court and society; due to diplomatic tensions, interests and disagreements, the Spanish style spread out all around France in a irregular but very significant way. In the musical context, this love-hate relationship, of seduction and rejection, adoption and transformation of the forms à l’espagnole—mostly through dances coming from America and soon assimilated in Spain—is our source of inspiration to offer a show in which contemporary dance, theatre and baroque music go hand in hand, in an interdisciplinar dialogue. Dancers and musicians who sing and recite in Spanish and French; canes hitting the ground with protoflamenco rhythms and flavours; small lights that reveal moments of mysterious poetry or make the most festive dances glow; elegant patterns, designs and tones that connect us with a careful, modern aesthetics. An exciting experiment carried out by Compañía Antonio Ruz in cooperation with Accademia del Piacere, conducted by Fahmi Alqhai. Made by avant garde artists, À l’Espagnole is a show of contrasts, of light and shadows, amusement, surprising and new. In one word: Baroque. Credits and datasheet
 Premiered: 15/03/2015 / Available

IDEA, CHOREOGRAPHY AND STAGING: Antonio Ruz
MUSICAL DIRECTION: Fahmi Alqhai
DANCERS AND CHOREOGRAPHIC COLLABORATION: Melania Olcina, Lucía Bernardo, Tamako Akiyama, Manuel Martín, Indalecio Seura, Jordi Vilaseca.
MUSICIANS: Fahmi Alqhai (viola da gamba), Mariví Blasco (soprano), Rodney Prada, Rami Alqhai, Johanna Rose (violas da gamba), Enrique Solinís (baroque guitar and lute), Javier Núñez (clavier) and Pedro Estevan (percussion).
ARTISTIC COLLABORATION: Estévez / Paños
COSTUME DESIGN AND ATREZZO: Daniela Presta
LIGHTING DESIGN AND TECHNICAL DIRECTION: Olga García
PRODUCTION: Alqhai & Alqhai y Compañía Antonio Ruz
Compañia Antonio Ruz
Founded by its director and choreographer, Antonio Ruz, following a successful bid during Centro de Danza Canal Madrid first call for residencies selection with the project No Drama. The company revolves around the research of movement; fleeing from labels while seeking interdisciplinary cooperation, such as arts at large and contemporary music, creating a fresh an innovative approach to the dance. By involving itself in every stage and aspect of the creative process a 360 approach to a production, from choreography to set to stage is obtained. Pieces often question the body, its perception, ...

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