Flamenco's range evolves in 'Elements'

Reprinted from late editionsof yesterday's Globe.

In "The Four Elements," which opened World Music's Flamenco Festival 2005, earth, air, fire, and water represented four contrasting styles of flamenco. It was an unusually theatrical concept for flamenco, which generally unfolds as raw emotional expression. Complete with scenic design and a flamboyantly lit backdrop, it seemed unnecessarily contrived in places, even distracting from the dance. But this Spanish production (directed by an American, former Martha Graham dancer Jacqulyn Buglisi) showcased the depth and variety of the centuries-old art form as it is evolving today, with traces of modern influences. Gerardo Nunez's jazz-tinged music reinforced the contemporary spirit, with the superb ensemble of three guitars, two singers, and a percussionist joined by saxophonist Perico Sambeat.

After the dramatic, tightly choreographed opening, with all the dancers posturing in a pool of light, the compelling Rocio Molina emerged as Water, clad in a ruffled blue/green gown that looked like waves flecked with sea foam. Her sensuous rolling hips and undulating torso were complemented by serpentine movements in the arms that ebbed and flowed with fluid ripples. Deep backbend turns often led to bursts of more vigorous gestures, with hands that flashed and darted like small fish. This was flamenco that was thoroughly grounded in tradition, yet looking to knock some cobwebs out of the corners.

Alejandro Granados was solid and powerful as Earth. But with his hunched shoulders and clenched fists, he too often looked like a small boy in the midst of a tantrum. Rather than coming across as centered and grounded, he seemed squat and clunky, and the taped Native American music that introduced his segment did him no service. It was a jarring miscalculation that was unnecessary, given the talent onstage and the vibrance of Nunez's music.

Carlos Rodriguez brought a light, playful insouciance to Air. His "Fandango" drew almost as much upon ballet, jazz, and modern dance as flamenco. Dynamic and articulate, he soared through graceful turns, limbs lifted with flamboyant upsweep, then released with a luxurious sense of suspension and breath. However, the constant facial mugging cheapened the effect.

In a red dress of tattered streamers that flickered like flames, Carmen Cortes was an impressive Fire. Her "Solea de un son eterno" offered the most emotionally grounded and most traditional dancing of the evening.

Nunez offered a guitar solo, "Templo del lucero," which began with a new age-style rhapsody reminiscent of Ralph Towner, then segued into a lively display of dazzling flamenco facility.

The Four Elements
Part of World Music’s Flamenco Festival 2005
At: Cutler Majestic Theatre, Thursday night