America (until next Sunday 16th) and Europe (from 18th to 23rd July) are the two shows that the Compañía Nacional de Danza presents at the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid (Calle Jovellanos, 4), with which it ends its 22/23 season and with which it brings together some of the most iconic pieces of dance from the two continents.
The first of these, the America programme, is made up of five emblematic works for the world of ballet, which are divided into three blocks. Apollo needs no introduction: it is simply an essential reference in the world repertoire and an announcement of choreographer George Balanchine’s intentions to renew and dust off academic ballet as it was once conceived.
In the central block there are three richly diverse offerings ranging from Tschaikovsky’s explosive neoclassical Pas de Deux, the modern/neoclassical in Barber Violin Concerto, with soloist Cristina Pascual Godoy, to Twyla Tharp’s wonderful phrasing and unique style, accompanied by Frank Sinatra’s voice, in Sinatra Suite. Finally, Heatscape is a work that reflects the very latest in American dance and one of its most prolific choreographers today, Justin Peck.
For its part, the Europa programme is made up of the pieces Bella Figura, Sad Case and A tu vera (world premiere). The first is a highlight in the prolific output of the master Kylián, who has become an icon of dance worldwide, like Martha Graham or Paul Taylor. Kylián is a dance genius and a reference for generations. His work is performed in the best companies all over the world.
Sad Case, by Sol León and Paul Lightfoot, shows the genius and quality in the detail of its creators, who, although they are heirs of Kylián, have found their own voice, achieving undeniable worldwide success with their daring and intelligent proposals.
A tu vera is an original creation for this programme choreographed by Joaquín de Luz, artistic director of the Compañía Nacional de Danza, together with Sara Calero, an artist with unlimited talent, brave and rebellious. A tu vera is a tribute to the flamenco guitar and to many of our most important composers. The musicians will play on stage, including Javier Conde on guitar, Batio on cello and Miriam Hontana on viola, under the musical direction and arrangements of Pablo Martín Caminero, who will also play double bass. Tickets for both shows can be purchased at this link.