24th FESTIVAL DE JEREZ
Sunday, March 1st, 2020
FRANCISCO HIDALGO COMPAÑÍA FLAMENCA “Ver, oír y bailar”
Sala Compañía, 7:00pm
Photo gallery – video
There’s something about Cádiz that it doesn’t seem to run out of talented dancers. Such as Francisco Hidalgo, (Algodonales, 1985). Sometimes small shows bring big surprises precisely because of the absence of special effects, of a numerous cast of artists or of complicated librettos. I didn’t know this dancer, despite his long career full of important collaborations and prizes. The work he presented last night at the Sala Compañía, within the framework of the Festival de Jerez, was more than dignified, particularly considering his effective use of a small space that has been problematic for others.
The style of Hidalgo, whose face is conveniently chiseled, is sober and intense, clean, direct and free of superficial effects. You see him on-stage and you understand he dances because he is driven. You also see the influence of many maestros, especially Manolo Marín and Alejandro Granados. He commands an economy of movement that is very flamenco, and a good balance between traditional and fresh.
Noteworthy, the soleá, the siguiriya and two delicate pas de deux (it’s possible couple dancing is making a discreet comeback) with Granada dancer and guest artist, Anabel Moreno. Clean up-beat choreography, elegance and restraint.
Singers Juan de Mairena and Jesús Corbacho did a fine job, as did guitarist José Almarcha and Robert Jaén on rhythm, a compact flamenco-efficient group.