RAÚL ORTEGA, ALFONSO LOSA Y NINO DE LOS REYES ESTRENAN “FLAMENCO”

Text: Manuel Moraga
Photos : Rafael Manjavacas

A new generation

Raúl Ortega

They’re young and have an excellent reputation in their profession, having worked with El Güito, Manuela Carrasco, Antonio Canales, María Pagés, Manolete, Carmen Cortés and Javier Barón. Now the idea was to fly solo and present their credentials to the public at large. It’s encouraging to see how the new generation makes way for itself: with command, credibility and of course, something to say, or dance actually, and they’re communicating some new things as well.

Although all three are share the spotlight equally, the main force behind the group is Raúl Ortega, the group’s nominal head: “For this first show we want to do what we like, which is flamenco as we see it. We think it’s classic because it’s only with guitar and cante, but you can’t overlook that we were born at the end of the last century which means we think “today”, but without straying from traditional concepts. We always look to the great maestros, but we’re products of the times and dance accordingly”, said the dancer to DeFlamenco.com..

The premise is simple enough: feel and express flamenco. Without additives. Towards this end they present an opening number in which each component presents himself separately (each with his own guitarist and singer) to end all together with tangos. Then each dancer offers a solo dance, and at the end, another artistic get-together to sign off. Along the way, Montse Cortes’ singing (she came specially from Barcelona as guest artist), and some poetry recited by Sara Campos which served to introduce the styles developed by the each of the dancers.

Alfonso Losa	Nino de los Reyes

Alfonso Losa por soleá demonstrated great aplomb and dignity. This dancer is perhaps the one who most fits into the classic line, within the logical updating. His dancing is honest and deeply felt, strong, but at the same time balanced and clean. He has great presence, and knows how to fill a space. Impressive. Absolutely impeccable.

Nino de los Reyes opted for alegrías. Proud carriage and an expression which is a cross between innocent and aggressive, this artist is elegant, swift and all nerve, because at 19, Nino has a big personality. At that age, sheer physical strength tends to take precedence over aesthetic concerns, and he certainly has what it takes. But it’s not unbridled pyrotechnics, but a dignified impulse, stately, gentlemanly. Flashes of extreme maturity.

Montse Cortés

Raúl Ortega was the last of the solos. His dancing is rich in technique, aesthetics and originality: he smoothes it over with armwork, pumps it up with footwork, explores the options of the curvilinear, sketches figures, is on top of the gestures... And it’s all under perfect control. Raúl Ortega squeezes the possibilities out of his entire body. The virtue of harmony.

At the Buero Vallejo Theater in Alcorcón we were treated to three different languages of dance by three dancers who hope to pick up the reigns, and are thoroughly prepared to do so. Let’s hope that either together or separately, the three compadres may soon enjoy the success they so richly deserve.