Flamenco for Everybody at Riverside Theatres

Annalouise Paul Dance Theatre presents the foot-tapping, fun performance of music and dance, Flamenco For Everybody at Riverside Theatres on the 25th of November.

A brave new show by award-winning dancer, artistic director and producer, Annalouise Paul, Flamenco For Everybody shares a collective narrative of resilience with regional communities who have faced the adverse effects of COVID-19. It is an uplifting and exhilarating performance of flamenco and contemporary dance, languid guitar, Spanish poetry and high-energy percussion, seamlessly woven into compelling storytelling.

During imposed lockdowns, Annalouise Paul was determined to dance. She came across an outdoor community veranda and local wharf to practice on for the entire year. The connection with the locals was strong. She met walkers, boaties, dogs, children, and one little boy on a scooter who asked, ‘are you making a show? For everybody?’. A few months later, a show was born.

The show opens with Annalouise sharing her story using contemporary-flamenco dance, sound design and video. This peaks into a full concert experience with sacred song and spoken word. Audiences will hear about social, historical and cultural events that have shaped Flamenco over times, from the living traditions of Andalusia; the Roma, Sephardi, Arabic and African cultures.

Marvel at the work of some of Australia’s best artists, with award-winning contemporary flamenco dancer Annalouise Paul, master of contemporary flamenco guitar Robbie Varga, veteran of contemporary percussion Byron Mark and Angel Mellado singing authentic cantre and poetry.

Annalouise Paul is an esteemed dance-maker with over 35 years of experience, based in Sydney but working internationally. Inspired by social and cultural memory, Annalouise’s works are meaningful and accessible. With a strong commitment to arts education and community engagement, Annalouise Paul Dance Theatre has worked with at-risk communities across Western Sydney, regional NSW, Los Angeles and Kolkata. The dance theatre has won two awards for international touring; the inaugural Australian Arts in Asia Award in Dance and the NSW Premier’s Export Scholarship 2013 for international touring to India.

Flamenco for Everybody was first presented inside a heritage-listed hall, The Drill in Rushcutters Bay. It was supported in part through Woollahra Council and a Critical Path space residency.

In all its energetic, foot-stomping fury, Flamenco For Everybody is a call to lift spirits and celebrate inclusivity at a time where so many things are isolated. Through harsh drought, bushfires, unemployment, and isolation, it is the very spirit of music and dance that uplifts and heals. By the end, audiences are invited to learn some rhythms and get up and dance!