Los Vivancos presents ‘Born to Dance’

ISTANBUL

Los Vivancos, which consists of seven brothers known as the princes of Flamenco, will take the stage in Istanbul once again, with their newest show “Born to Dance” that premiered in April in Madrid.

In the show, the brothers dance to many popular songs from artists such as Metallica, Deep Purple and Leonard Cohen.  

Blending comedy, tap-dance and martial arts with flamenco, Los Vivancos’ brothers have reproduced world-known songs and their own music with Joan Martorel in their upcoming show and have made recordings with the Budapest Symphonic Orchestra. 

“Born to Dance” will be on stage at the TIM Maslak Show Center in Istanbul on Dec. 10 and 11.

In an interview, the seven brothers that make up the band – Aaron, Cristo, Elias, Israel, Josué, Josua and Judah Vivancos – spoke collectively about their journey to dance. 

Please tell us about your family; how did you start to dance together?

We were blessed with a family that encouraged us and supported our artistic education. We started playing musical instruments when we were about 5. Dance, martial arts and acrobatics soon followed. At music conservatory, we were the only students who could do a flying round kick or a back flip in music class. That was definitely the first stepping-stone for who Los Vivancos is today.

What kind of dance training do you have besides flamenco and ballet? 

We have been trained in Escuela Bolera, Classical Spanish, contemporary and modern dance styles, jazz, hip-hop, break dance as well as martial arts, Taekwondo, Judo, Brazilian Jiujutsu, Muay Thai, gymnastics, static and flying trapeze and juggling. We believe that a dancer must control every aspect of their body. 

How would you define your latest show “Born to Dance?”

It’s a fusion; you can see ballet, flamenco and martial arts with different sounds. It includes Beethoven, Metallica and Deep Purple songs in the show. We use a different technology for this show. We are coming to Turkey with this show for the first time. 

What is the difference between an individual dance and dancing in a group? 

As a soloist, you have more freedom, whereas in a group you must be more exact and precise. But also, when you perform solo, there is greater responsibility since every eye is up on yourself. In the end, it is not whether you dance solo or in a group what makes you a principal dancer; it is how you dance. 

Could you tell us the preparation process before the performance?

There is a very long and meticulous process that leads to each of our performances. It starts long before we – the Vivancos brothers – get to the theater. Our technical team work very hard on the setup so that everything is in place for the performance. We create an empire in which art rules, and “the show” is the lord of all. Then we do sound checks, technical trials and artistic rehearsals; with the wardrobe, musical instruments and multiple different sets of dance shoes. Everything has its place. Even a bottle of water is set in a specific place so one can reach and find it in complete darkness. Then my brothers and I start our warm up, our own personal set up. We get both body and mind ready. And when the curtain rises, it goes into a different universe. 

How do you keep your energy? Is it difficult to be fit?

It takes dedication. Eating healthy is a must. Practicing every day is also very important. In the end, like in everything else, excellence is not an act but a habit. 

Is it boring to always be together?

Not at all. We have good times together. And we can also easily ignore each other and do our own thing so always being together is no problem at all.

What is your advice for people who are just starting to dance? 

It is good to see dance. Watch a great dancer and try to do what he or she does. If you like ballet, go to Nureyev or Baryshnikov, Pavlova or Margot Fonteyn and try to move like they do. Get their attitude. Try to pirouette like Jose Carreño or move your arms like Sylvie Guillem. In dance class they will usually teach you the dance steps, but to dance, you have to learn that yourself. 

What is your project after the “Born to Dance” show?  

We are working to create a humanitarian project where we can use the exposition that our work gives us, to help the needy. Helping disadvantaged children, the sick, fighting poverty and hunger. That is a big priority for us now.