Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Olé! Bravo! The Culture Club Strikes Again

I received tickets from Liz to go to "Calo Flamenco, Ballet de Martín Gaxiola" night at BYU. So Alex and I, known as "the Culture Club" (no affiliation to Boy George) went to be part of this amazing performance. Alex was not particularly looking forward to it, but I was so excited because I had never seen a live Flamenco performance before, and after reading "The Flamenco Academy" a few years ago, really made me interested in seeing this show.

And it didn't disappoint. I'm still baffled how somebody, let alone a man, can move their feet so fast. The women were incredible dancers, the costumes were beautiful, the sweat was plentiful, the singing and clapping were engaging, and the guitar playing was exquisite.

The audience was encouraged to be part of the performance by yelling "jaleos" like "Olé!" or "Bravo" or "Olé (name of artist)" and that's exactly Alex wanted to do, yell "Olé, name of artist". We heard "agua!" (you are so hot you need water to cool down) or "Toma!" (take it, go for it). Somebody yelled "Hot Enchilada". Then the other audience grabbing activity was "palmas" the hand clapping. We were told not to try to keep up with the professional "palmeros" on the stage because it might confuse the dancer.


Alex is ready for the show. Yep. that's totally a fake smile. He wasn't too happy to be there. But hey, it gives him 2 more hours towards his art class. He shouldn't complain while being cultured at the same time. He will thank me one day. I just know it.


Opening number "Por Sentimiento"


"Me Levanto". This is where the sweat really flew from his curly hair. I thought it was water, but Alex pointed out that it possibly is not water but sweat.


"Tormenta de Gracia" performed in nice pants and vests.


"Finale-Bulerías". This is where the performers "battled" who was the best.


Martín Gaxiola. Incredible dancer in red boots.

I forgot to mention that last Saturday night we went to see Elle in "Bye, Bye Birdie" at Pleasant Grove Jr. High. She was part of the cast and did awesome. Great performance and great singing.

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