'Flamenco' – Compañia de Raúl Ortega, con Alfonso Losa y Nino de los Reyes. Baile flamenco.

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.