Surrender to the heat of September as the Antonio Gades Company brings its sultry blend of ballet and flamenco to Tokyo, showcasing three of its classic works in two separate programs at Bunkamura's magnificent Orchard Hall.
Japan has long been a hotspot for ballet and also flamenco — Spain's traditional performing art of dance in which singing, guitar-playing, clapping, tap and assorted passionate cries also play powerful supporting roles — and as the company's artistic director, Stella Arauzo, admitted in a recent interview with The Japan Times, she felt "both moved and a sense of responsibility" ahead of their first shows here since 2009.
"We are looking forward to meeting old fans of the maestro," she wrote, referring to the late, great flamenco dancer and choreographer who started his eponymous company in 1981 after a short stint as the founding head of Spain's National Ballet.