Israel Galvan- Sydney Opera House

I flew to Sydney this week especially to see Israel Galvan, an avaunt guarde dance artist who crosses over in style between traditional flamenco and his own contemporary take on dance. His flamenco technique is masterful, so much so, that it seems he can throw it away and move to new realms: interesting ones, flights of fancy, imaginative and interpretive. Coming from strong flamenco roots within his family, who are dancers and singers, it seems that the traditional knowledge of the art form is so strongly under his belt that he is able to play and interpret in a new way.
His performance was unlike anything I have seen before.

After the show while he was being interviewed by Paul French from Flamenco Australia Magazine, I bought him an Australian beer and I got to ask him one question.

Flamenco dancers are highly trained athletes and after dancing for 75 minutes with only short breaks in between, Israel’s black shirt was soaked through and clinging to his back.

“You use so much energy in your shows and you have to sustain it night after night. Do you have any tricks, secret tips or remedies that you use?”

Israel answers “Well I take vitamins and bee pollen and eat well; pasta, meat, bananas and chocolate for energy, but most of all one needs the will and desire to dance.”

Israel Galvan was accompanied by singer David Lagos and guitarist Alfred Lagos, who complemented his work and added artistry of their own.

Also the encore they all took on Tuesday night was a nice surprise so if you get to see the show, make sure you clap alot at the end. It runs till Sunday 28th August.

Tatiana Bistrin
Photography by Prudence Upton

While celebrating world-class avant-garde flamenco in Sydney, you can also immerse yourself in traditional flamenco training right here in Melbourne at our Flamenco Singing Workshop with Olayo.