Reviewed by Jan Mellor
The word Sinergia means Synergy – the interaction of two or more substances. I had no idea what this performance would involve but I am intrigued by a lot of things and so a performance of the art of flamenco dancing had me sitting in the small theatre at The Lowry awaiting the Spanish dancer, in anticipation. As I arrived the theatre was quite empty. It was a hot, sunny bank holiday, so I supposed this was not a surprise, however by half way through the 75-minute show the theatre was nearly full.
The performance opened with four men getting dressed in near darkness with one of the men to one side starting to dance. The men started singing in an almost howling stance and I wasn’t sure I was goings to enjoy this. However, as the dancer – Manuel Linan started his wonderful moves I was transfixed. The man was absolutely amazing, with legs that moved so quickly and stealthily that it didn’t look like they were moving at all. He went through his moves like a proud stallion performing in a dressage display. I had no idea what the two men were singing about with a passion and strength that unaccompanied filled the theatre – nor did I care. The flamenco guitar was played to perfection, Manuel effortlessly strutted across the bare floor in dramatic, thrusting moves that were awesome and energetic.
The four men blended and interacted effortlessly as Manuel moved through the traditional flamenco palos from tangos to soleas seamlessly blending the moves to give us a distinctive performance that it is said to be known amongst the aficionados as one of the most innovative flamenco dancing evolved from tradition and knowledge that is performed today. The audience cheered Ole enthusiastically as the quartet innovatively carried us through this evocative performance. I loved every minute of it.
If you want to see raw skill, powerful moves and voices with a powerful and passionate insight into the world of flamenco this is one not to miss. At the tango finale the audience were all on their feet in rapturous applause showing how enjoyable this glimpse into a world of Spanish talent had been.
An amazing performance!
Rating: 4/5
For other shows The Lowry in Manchester visit www.thelowry.com or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
