Ahead of the Manoel Theatre’s collaboration with international flamenco legend María del Mar Moreno, Jo Caruana meets Ingrid Sciberras, the director of local flamenco school Alegria, to discover more about this very unique art form.

María del Mar Moreno

The Manoel Theatre is about to host a true celebration of flamenco dance, thanks to an international collaborative performance called Jerez Puro Esencia.

The show will star flamenco legend María del Mar Moreno, as well as Antonio Malena, who is one of the world’s foremost flamenco singers. It will also feature Ingrid Sciberras (whose stage name is Maria del Sol) and Estelle Bonello (Estrella La Maltesa) from the local Alegria Academia and Dance Company.

Speaking about the events that have led to this performance, Sciberras explains that it was around 19 years ago when she first heard a particular style of singing on television and was immediately drawn to it.

“I loved its incredible strength,” she recalls. “And even though I couldn’t understand what was being said, I could feel the emotion the singers were emitting and I was hooked.”

Flamenco is completely different from most classical dances, primarily because so much emotion is transmitted from the dancer to the audience

It was in that instant that she discovered flamenco, an art form she has since held very dear.

“More discoveries were on the way,” she smiles, explaining her delight when she realised the music in question was accompanied by dance.

“I thought it was fantastic and quickly put my feelers out to see if there was any way I could join a local group.

“Thankfully Rosana Maya, a veritable pioneer of flamenco in Malta, gave me all the encouragement I needed and I started classes immediately. There was no turning back after that.”

As Sciberras explains, flamenco is completely different from most classical dances, primarily because so much emotion is transmitted from the dancer to the audience.

“It’s amusing to sometimes hear it referred to as the ‘dance where all the dancers are angry’, which is such a misinterpretation,” she grins.

“Of course the stamping doesn’t help much as it can get quite noisy, but there is actually an incredible amount of force required to keep up with the rhythm.

“As flamenco evolves, it is also very clever to see how dancers are involving many other instruments (beyond the guitar) into the style. Each palo (or rhythm) is interpreted in a different way, from sad and soulful to happy and cheeky. Additionally, it’s also fun to note how it’s the musicians who always lead the way – the dancers must follow.”

With all of that in mind, Sciberras hopes that this upcoming production will give audiences the chance to really connect with flamenco. “While it’s considered Spanish, there are actually so many influences to it, and many people compare the music to our għana,” she says.

“Since opening Alegria three years ago, I have done nothing but try to develop flamenco further here and I hope that this performance will serve to widen the interest even more. I would like to see dancers being given the chance to be trained by the maestros of flamenco themselves, with workshops here and cultural tours to Andalucia to experience the dancing, traditional festivals and pilgrimages which form part of this incredible way of life.”

Speaking about this project in particular, Sciberras explains that she first met del Mar – who recently won the Best Artist Award at the Festival de Jerez 2013 – in 2000. This was back when Sciberras was attending the Jerez Festival for the first time, and she was thrilled to register on one of her workshops. She liked the dancer’s style and sunny disposition immediately, and has since completed many courses with her.

“And while I may be able to attend the festival year on year, as a teacher it sometimes isn’t enough to explain the atmosphere and magic to your students. I want them to live it too. This sort of initiative gives them that chance and I try to invite her over as regularly as possible.”

Meanwhile, it was on a recent trip that del Mar and Malena saw the Manoel Theatre and became besotted with it. It’s as a result of this that the idea for the upcoming show was born.

“The show promises to be a unique performance, created from the very essence of the best Flamenco of Jerez – complete with song, dance, traditional accompaniment and individual artistry,” Sciberras says.

Finally, to really emphasise the passion of flamenco, del Mar has spearheaded something a little different – a flashmob that will bring together all of Malta’s flamenco teachers and students. “It’s all about awareness,” Sciberras smiles. “We want people to know what a wonderful dance style this is, so we’re taking a show to them. It will kick off at 5.45pm on May 24 at St George’s Square in Valletta and will definitely prove to be something out of the ordinary!”

Jerez Puro Esencia takes place on Saturday and next Sunday and also features singer David Carpio, guitarists Santiago Moreno and Malena Hijo and Ale de Gitaneria on palmas (hand clapping). Tickets are available online or by calling 2124 6389. A flamenco workshop will follow from May 28 to June 2 and more information is available by sending an e-mail to alegriamalta@gmail.com.

www.teatrumanoel.com.mt