Israel Galván, La Fiesta, Sadler's Wells Preview

Israel Galván is considered an unconventional genius of his generation in the flamboyant world of flamenco.

Known today for revolutionising the art form through innovative choreography, breath-taking technique and not a little irreverence, his first foray into flamenco was during his childhood in Seville when he would stay up late to participate in the ‘fin de fiesta’.

The 'fin de fiesta' is the ritual after the actual flamenco performance. This hour of freedom and fierce creativity sees dancers and musicians throw off the restrictions of their roles and improvise together in something akin to a jam session.

Galván aims to bring the electric atmosphere of these gatherings to the stage in his newest production, La Fiesta, which receives its UK premiere at Sadler’s Wells this season.

Together with flamenco dancer and choreographer Patricia Caballero, Galván has developed a combination of dance, song, music and farce in which nine artists unite for an energy-packed knees-up.

La Fiesta features world-class dancers and musicians from both inside and outside the flamenco sphere; Galván shares the stage with Bobote, Eloísa Cantón, Emilio Caracafé, Ramón Martínez, Niño de Elche, Alejandro Rojas-Marcos, Alia Sellami and Uchi.

Galván’s previous performances at Sadler’s Wells include TOROBAKA, a collaboration with Akram Khan, and FLA.CO.MEN, an avant-garde production presented during the North London dance venue’s 2017 Flamenco Festival.

By deconstructing the traditional forms of flamenco, Galván adds dramatic diversity to its precisely measured rhythms and percussive footwork.

Essentially, La Fiesta is a production that enables spectators to experience flamenco not just as an art form, but as a way of life. It boldly throws caution to the wind and boasts a sense of total liberty, particularly as the party atmosphere also broaches themes of war and rebellion.

London dance audiences should prepare to cross genre divides and adopt an open minded approach, as they are invited to the most eccentric of flamenco celebrations. Olé!