Granada Flamenco Ballet, originating from Seville, Spain, will perform its “Báilame (Dance for Me)” for the first time on the Philippine stage on September 20 and 21 at the Casino Español de Cebu in Cebu City and on September 22 and 23 at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater) inside the CCP Complex. The production is a collaboration between the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Embassy of Spain in Manila, the Casino Español de Cebu, and the Flamenco Agency from Seville to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Spain. The ballet’s performance aims to create an unforgettable experience that appeals to both aficionados and newcomers to the Flamenco scene. The show will focus on sensations and feelings associated with the sound of Flamenco shoes or castanets, acoustics, and profound silence while dancing.
Traditional Dances Reimagined
Founded in 2007 by Dr. Jaime Trancoso, the Granada Flamenco Ballet has taken its artistry to international audiences, earning a reputation of having the best Flamenco artists in Spain.
Similarly, the dance group has graced prestigious venues across the globe, such as the National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House in Beijing (NCPA), Shanghai International Dance Center Grand Theatre (SIDC), Aga Khan Museum (Canada), and the Teatro Campoamor de Oviedo (Spain).
“While keeping the traditional elements of Flamenco, Granada Flamenco Ballet has a fearless approach to fusion. And with each performance, they exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression,” shared CCP president Michelle Nikki Junia.
Flamenco dances, characterized by graceful movements and intricate footwork, have been deeply ingrained in Philippine dance traditions since the 16th century. Spain’s influence led to the birth of the country’s national dance, Cariñosa, and other Flamenco-inspired folk dances like Pandanggo sa Ilaw, Zarzuela, and Tinikling. These dances continue to be performed with pride during important events. CCP artistic director Dennis Marasigan emphasizes the rich blending of cultures that have thrived through time.
Promoting authentic Flamenco production on the local stages strengthens CCP’s mission and dedication to providing more diverse cultural experiences for Filipino audiences. CCP also hopes this staging will inspire the younger generation to engage in the arts.
Ticket prices for Cebu range from Php800 to Php1,000, while for Manila at Php2,000. Discounts for students, PWDs, and senior citizens also apply. Granada Flamenco Ballet’s Báilame tickets are available at Ticketworld https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph. Visit https://culturalcenter.gov.ph/ for more info.
Take advantage of this culturally ground-breaking performance from world-class dancers!