Spain’s Ballet Nacional opened the 22nd edition of the Festival de Jerez, confirming the good shape of this festival with a strong and intense start of activities, both official and parallel. Also, flamenco courses are full of foreigners coming to Jerez, wishing to learn baile, cante, toque and even palmas. Since last Friday, we’ve been thoroughly enjoying the environment in this epicenter of the flamenco world. Friday’s production was encouraging for the upcoming editions, as having the Ballet Nacional was proof of commitment and dependability. We were fortunate to enjoy the various dance styles from our land, from the escuela bolera, to classic dance and flamenco. Under the direction of Antonio Najarro, the cast was greatly applauded in each of its acts, although we have to admit that the part showcasing the handling of the mantón was flimsier than the rest. The scenography and lightning were great, harmonious and subtle, all the result of great groundwork.

The following day, Manuel Liñán debuted his production “Baile de autor” (“Author’s Dance”) in the Villamarta theater, with Manuel Valencia on the guitar, playing an outstanding solo por seguiriyas, and David Carpio adding his voice to the seguiriyas, soleá de Triana and alegrías of this bailaor from Granada. Manuel displayed his proficiency in all acts, captivating great part of the audience with his final number, where he performed with the bata de cola, the mantón, the fan and the cane. His production was well-liked and once again he achieved a great success in this festival.