Spanish flamenco dancers to perform on Mersin stage
ISTANBUL
Founders of the internationally acclaimed flamenco company Rojas y Rodriguez, Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodriguez are ready to impress the Turkish audience on May 5 with their show “Cambio de Tercio” in the southern province of Mersin as part of the Mersin International Music Festival.
The Rojas y Rodriguez flamenco dance company is known for the innovations they have brought to the flamenco scene. Their show has also been praised for its wardrobe, which shows different costumes of different styles of flamenco throughout the years in history.
In “Cambio de Tercio,” we watch the progress of dance styles over time. What styles of dance will we see other than flamenco in the show?
The “Cambio de Tercio” show brings together Cantinas, Sevillanas, Fandangos, Rumbas, Bamberas, Bulerias, Tanguillos and Seguidillas with classical Spanish dancing and flamenco. Ten scenes tell the story of the journey dance with choreography.
You have performed this show in many countries of the world. Where does Cambio de Tercio stand in your career?
“Cambio de Tercio” is a show that demonstrates our creativity and everything we have saved in the name of dance up until now. We have brought flamenco together with classical Spanish dancing, traditional and new, as well as our own dance. Since our premiere in England, we have performed in many countries in five continents. We will meet flamenco lovers in Mersin on May 5.
The costumes on stage are also spectacular. Do you have any special reason for choosing these clothes?
Yes, it is possible to see many popular flamenco outfits from the 50s to the 60s during the show. We bring together all different styles of flamenco dance over the last 50 years. This is reflected in the clothes we use.
How is “Cambio de Tercio” different from your other shows?
The richness of the choreographers and the enthusiasm for flamenco along with musicians who accompanied us on stage never stops. At the same time, the costumes reflect the spirit of the 50s and 60s.
How did the team come together? What are the secrets of working together in a crowded group?
We have been working together since the first day. Over time, talent merges professionally. First of all, we love the work we do. Like every show, choreography, music, and costumes need a long preparation phase. As dancers we have been working together for years, we complement each other very well on stage. The team is made up of very talented dancers. At the same time, they are disciplined and hardworking.
You also combine classical Spanish dance with flamenco in your shows, so do you think it is a better way to reach the new generations?
We do not know if this is the correct or better way, but we do this combination just because it is what comes from inside of us and it is what we think is better for us and of course for the audience.
The show’s music is also very impressive. How do you describe the live music of your show?
We always use original and live music in our shows. We think it’s important to have good musicians in our shows but with “Cambio de Tercio,” we went a bit further because the musicians move around the stage and they are an important part of the choreography.
You will perform in the Mersin International Music Festival on May 5, so what we can expect from the way you present flamenco?
The Turkish audience has always been good to us and they always enjoy our shows, so we expect they will enjoy “Cambio de Tercio,” as they have enjoyed the previous shows we have performed in Turkey.