What is it with the Flamenco that inspires the British? Juan Ramirez has no simple answer. It is the most sought after word on Dulwich OnView and a Viva Flamenco’s evenings at St.Barnabas Hall in Dulwich is an event that now is in its eighth sell-out year.
“Maybe it is because it is just the most exciting dance form in the world. It does not tell a story, it’s purely about emotion,” says Juan sipping his very English cup of tea.
“There are over 60 different Flamenco styles, some sung accompanied by guitar and some danced. And it is an evolving art form, never static, and as such it brings in new influences, but it always harks back to its roots, to its authenticity yet it has to have a commercial element in order to survive.” Juan also explains that Flamenco is a mixture of East and West. “The hand movements are very similar to those of Indian dancing and the music has clear Arab influences. In the last sixty years or so Latin American dancing has also had an impact.” Juan’s enthusiasm is evident and his elegant guitarist’s hands are never still.
“It is the rhythm and timing that shapes Flamenco, the compas and also, Flamenco is one of the few dance styles in the world where the music follows the dance rather than the dancer dancing to the music. The flamenco guitarist does not read music in order to perform, he must play everything by heart and most important, feel everything from within. So when you learn from your teacher, you must copy assiduously from him and then you can develop your own style of playing.”
Juan and his company of dancers and singers has enthralled audiences all over the world and even been invited to contribute to a programme to be shown in Madrid. In London they have played, danced and sung with Juan as artistic director and guitarist at the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican and they have appeared in numerous TV programmes and film. Jesus Olmedo, one of the dancers, has recently appeared in Carmen at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. “But now it’s time for St. Barnabas Hall again,” says Juan and smiles. “Our annual evening in Dulwich organised by Friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery is always a happy one.”
Flamenco has been Juan’s passion since he saw his first performance. “I knew instinctively that this is what I wanted to do.” He had worked at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama for several years, but Flamenco was what he wanted to do. He found a guitar teacher who let him sit in while he accompanied the dancers, “ absolutely the best way to learn”.
The company was set up in 1977, in its original form it was a small troupe. Now he has up to twelve musicians and dancers in the company and can tailor any event to suit the client or the occasion. His principal dancer Juani Garcia studied in Madrid and has been with the company for many years and like Juan she also teaches. They have both seen an increased interest in Flamenco. Apart from Juani and Jesus, also taking part is dancer and singer Lola Rueda and the excellent singer Manuel de Cadiz.
So what can we expect on Saturday 21 March as Viva Flamenco yet again takes to the floor in Dulwich? A fiery fiesta of music and dance plus some delicious food. At this show the East Dulwich restaurant Barcelona Tapas will serve their wonderful Spanish dishes and the audience can bring their own wine. Asking for some tapas tips, Juan praises the pulpo and calamares.
Juan Ramirez has lived in South London for many years and he has a special place in his heart for Dulwich Picture Gallery. “It is a unique place and I love its architecture, and, of course, the Murillos, but my favourite painting is Carlo Dolci’s St. Catherine of Siena.
Flamenco Music, Dance and Supper
Saturday 21 March 6.30pm – 10pm at St.Barnabas Parish Hall, Dulwich Village
Tickets cost £17, £15 for Friends and children under16 cost £10
Tickets can be bought from the Friends Desk in the Gallery or by phone
020 8299 8750 or online at dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
Tapas will be on sale and guests may bring their own wine.
Glass of sherry or juice on arrival
This event is organised by friends of Dulwich Picture Gallery
