Israel Galván

Three reasons Israel Galván is the rock star of flamenco

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Famed as “modern flamenco’s great rule breaker” (Daily Telegraph), Israel Galván is an artist known for his flare and eccentricity. In celebration of the UK premiere of La Fiesta, a piece which celebrates the flamenco tradition of liberation and improvisation, we look back on the ways the pioneer has bent the rules…

1. He’s not afraid of collaboration…

One of Israel’s most memorable collaborations saw him join forces with Akram Khan, fusing flamenco with contemporary and kathak dance styles. These two experts in their fields were able to join together two classic dance genres to make something truly unique.

2. There’s no theme too challenging for this flamenco heavyweight…

Israel’s work tackles a vast range of themes, from bull-fighting, to Kafka’s Metamorphosis and the freedom of the “fin de fiesta”, he’s an artist who is not afraid of taking risks.

3. He literally deconstructs the dance form…

Israel has an ability to celebrate flamenco in its classic form whilst pushing the boundaries of how we think of the genre as a whole. In FLA.CO.MEN Galván literally deconstructs flamenco and then reunites it again, featuring music from jazz, experimental and traditional.

Israel Galván will be at Sadler’s Wells on 27 & 28 April with La Fiesta. To book, contact the Ticket Office on 020 7863 8000 or book online.

National Dance Awards are announced

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The 2015 Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards were announced during a ceremony at The Place today, with many of Sadler’s Wells associate artists, companies and friends featuring among the worthy winners.

Our Associate Artist Crystal Pite received the award for Best modern choreography for her epic work Polaris, produced by Sadler’s Wells as part of its Thomas Adès: See the Music, Hear the Dance programme.

The Outstanding company award went to our irrepressible Resident Company New Adventures, with their brilliant dancer Zizi Strallen receiving the Outstanding female performance (modern) award for her portrayal of Lana in Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man.

Our Associate Artist Wayne McGregor won the Best classical choreography award for Woolf Works, created for the Royal Ballet, while flamenco dancer Israel Galván was given a special award for exceptional artistry.

Finally, our Associate Artist Sylvie Guillem was honoured with the De Valois award for outstanding achievement, in recognition of her extraordinary career. She shared the award with Caroline Miller, who was recognised for her 10-year tenure as Chief Executive of Dance UK.

Many congratulations to all!

For a full list of nominations, visit londondance.com

 

Image: Crystal Pite’s Polaris, by Andrew Lang