Passionate Flamenco dance and music based on obscure Andalucian custom was imparted by Alma Flamenco.

Accompanied by two guitarists, pre-eminent in the art of improvisation and variation, and three folk singers who hand-clapped complex rhythms constantly, the dancers performed to traditional gipsy style music.

Four female dancers exuded femininity and sensuousness in Spanish dresses of multi-frilled hemlines. Straight backs and sinewy body movements, complex hand-clapping and heel-tapping, wrists flexible, were evident always. More pliable movements, evocative of ballet, were incorporated sometimes, momentarily.

'Tientos' danced by Patricia, Carmen and Francisca, costumed in dramatic red and black, enhanced further with red spot lighting, began with the three seated on chairs, gyrating their supple wrists expressively. Gradually, they became captivated completely by the music and their bodies moved accordingly. Footwork was dazzling as the impetus grew faster and faster.

An amazing solo by Felipe de Algeciras (creator of Alma Flamenco) showed him in super-controlled slow gestures as he began, his shoulders held high. Excitement mounted and, with upright posture, his heel-tapping became ever more rapid and stimulating, until his whole body pulsated, as the atmosphere heightened. Audience was gasping and breathless, too!

In the finale, each dancer was a soloist briefly, exuding passion which was saucy and provocative, or with jive elements present even, but Flamenco was evident still.

A spontaneity and joy had been present throughout in this extrovert presentation, and the large audience appreciated it all immensely.

Jill Hopkins