SOLEADO Flamenco is the perfect way to start your Fringe binge. It pulls you gently into a different cultural experience, perhaps evoking memories of past holidays in Spain.

Through the tent door, you walk into a small intimate venue, with cushioned seating surrounding a wooden platform. Then, the musicians start strumming their guitars and the violinist joins in. In an instant, you are transported to another world.

All eyes are drawn to the beautiful Naoko Christofis and Farida Rabih (Casa del Compas), who dance up a storm in the middle of the floor. The audience is seated so close, we can see every breath they take. It is passionate, it is hot, it is fun. The audience clap along and shout encouragement, as the dancers swish their skirts and click their heels to the rhythm. We are one with the performers.

Equally as important as the dancers, we get to enjoy the music in the hands of the Perth-based La Pandilla Flamenca group consisting Jatin Kala, Will Ditcham (guitarists) and Moira Desport (percussionist). With guest violinist Zola Li, they play the sublime tunes of the flamenco, taking us on a journey though Andalusia. Some tunes were heavy, some were light. A highlight was Granada, performed for the first time for the audience during the show.

The hour passes quickly and all too soon, it is over. There were sighs as we leave the tent. For a while, we had escaped the mundane and were transported into a beautiful world of gypsy music and dance. What a perfect way to start the evening!