Los cuatro elementos. Rocio Molina, Alejandro Granados, Carmen Cortés, Carlos Rodríguez

Text : Sonia M.
Pariente
Photos: © Javier Suarez

Four styles of dance

The show “Los cuatro elementos” (the four elements)
was the flamenco element within Madrid’s Festival de Otoño.
Water, aire, earth and fire, and four dancers: Rocío Molina,
Carlos Rodríguez (Dani Doña los días 23 y 23),
Alejandro Granados and Carmen Cortés. With this motif no
plot has been added but rather it is a series of flamenco dances.
The show is decorated with lighting by Cliffton Taylor with projections
showing each of the elements, and wardrobe by Miguel Androver giving
a certain cosmopolitan look to the set, although the distinctive
touch is the style each dancer exhibits to simbolize the element
in question.

Rocío Molina is sensual with guajiras…she is water. The
young dancer knows how to incorporate every part of her body resulting
in a very expressive dance. Her arms are elegant, her style flamenco
with modern touches and bursts of strength, and the overall projection
is as refreshing as her ‘element’.

Carlos Rodríguez is air as he is carried away by the compás
of fandangos. Melding a classic style with a touch of flash, he
doesn’t depend on footwork, but rather bases his dance on
the resources of his body and hands. Carlos Rodríguez suggests
“air” with a lovely piece and attractive choreography
full of sensitivity.

“Earth”
as represented por seguiriyas by Alejandro Granados shows a more
primitive and pure style. Dancing which is deeply rooted and full
of substance. Alejandro’s dancing is very flamenco, and the
dancer has tremendous concentration.

Carmen Cortés is “fire”. This versatile dancer
pulls out her racial, passionate dance via soleá. Feet, hands,
it’s all one entity, and always elegant. Although her dress
was lovely and daring, in the style of Eurovision’s Salomé,
it made it difficult to appreciate the heelwork and sinuous movements
which would have been enhanced by a less elaborate costume.

Director Jacqulyn Buglisi kept to the standard format of this type
of show, with brief duets and transitions. Water bathes the earth
and air with a delicate number by Rocío Molina and Carlos
Rodríguez, but there is also a joint number at the beginning
and end. Gerardo Núñez’ musical direction provides
the modern touch in each piece without overdoing it, and the musicians
are all excellent.

Alejandro Granados