CIUTAT FLAMENCO 2017: D-Structures

Driven by its rhythm a work of art comes apart onstage. A flamenco dancer defies himself and the rhythmic structure. A conqueror of sound defies the surrounding elements, challenging them to lose their meaning. The body is percussive and a percussion instrument. The piece develops. The elements change their meaning. They are alive! D-Structures is a constant dialogue between the typical rigour of flamenco and the desire to see it evolve.

José Manuel Álvarez (flamenco dancer) has worked with directors such as Rafael Estévez, Rubén Olmo, Javier Latorre, Juan Carlos Lérida and Pepe Gamboa. He currently dances with the Marco Flores company and has taken part in the shows Laberíntica and Entrar al juego. José Manuel Álvarez has appeared as a flamenco dancer and guest artist at national and international festivals such as the Jerez Festival, the Malaga Biennale and Ciutat Flamenco. He is artistic director of the Flamenco Ramblas club in Barcelona. He has taught at professional level at La Capitana and the Institut del Teatre and also conducts masterclasses all over the world. Since 2014 he has been exploring his facet as a choreographer, resulting in the creation of Solo Con, Ángulo Muerto and Hostal Pascual.

Lucas Balbo (percussionist or conqueror of sounds) was initially self-taught. He later received instruction and advice and gained in experience on the box drum, the cajón, with various virtuosos: flamenco style with Israel Suarez “Piraña”, Lucky Losada, Isaac Vigueras and Sergio Martínez; Afro-Peruvian style with Huber Reyes; Afro-Cuban style with Julio Morales; and Afro style with Cheik Gueye.

As a percussionist he has accompanied many leading figures on the flamenco scene, including La Farruca, Eva La Yerbabuena, Marco Flores, Karime Amaya, Grupo Babel and Montse Cortés. He works regularly at flamenco clubs in Barcelona, the city where he lives. Since 2014 he has collaborated closely in José Manuel Álvarez’s productions: Solo Con, D-Structures and Hostal Pascual.

Dance José Manuel Álvarez / Percussion Lucas Balbo / Direction José Manuel Álvarez / Concept José Manuel Álvarez and Marta Piñol / Production Flamenco Projects