The Harquail Theatre was packed on Wednesday night as Cayman Arts Festival presented an evening of flamenco dance featuring world-renowned choreographer and professional dancer Miguel Vargas
The sold-out event featured the artistic director of Miguel Vargas Flamenco Dance Theatre and CEO of Centro de Arte y Flamenco de Sevilla performing the folkloric music traditions of southern Spain.
Vargas graced the stage along with his company compadres, which included his sons, David Fernandez, a singer, and Miguel Fernandez, a percussionist, as well as flamenco fusion dancer and clapper El Sembrao and guitarist Juan Anguita.
Against the backdrop of his company members, Vargas captivated audience members with his rhythmic and lightning-fast footwork, his tap dance, and coupled with his emotional intense hand, arm and body movement styles as he performed a number of pieces, including Martinete, Siguiriya, Solea, Cantinas, and Bulerias.
The evening also included costume changes by Vargas and solo pieces from the musicians.
Just as the evening was ending, Vargas returned to the stage to thank the organisers of the festival, as well as his friend and ‘brother’, Cayman’s very own flamenco guitarist Nathan Herrera.
“We improvised. What came from our heart was really a conversation between the guitar, the singer, percussionist, everything. We were so connected, and it’s so easy for us with your help and you [brought] the energy,” Vargas told the audience.
Vargas invited Herrera onto the stage to take part in an encore ‘fiesta’ performance, with each his company members taking centre stage for a little dance party, with attendees clapping along.
Vargas said he hoped the festival would bring him back soon.
Cayman Arts Festival will continue its event offerings with a classical music showcase by musicians of the New York City Ballet Orchestra with visiting musicians Elizabeth Pitcairn, Heather Johnson, and Cayman Arts Festival’s own Glen Inanga this Saturday, 11 Nov., starting 7pm at the Vault, Compass Centre.
Tickets and more information are available at the Cayman Arts Festival website.
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