Two male musicians and two female dancers of the award-winning troupe Aire Flamenco present Arte Flamenco. The title highlights the quality and relevance of their performance, especially suitable for Perth and FRINGE WORLD. Recognised by UNESCO as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage, this form of art is also considered a whole culture and way of living. It is generally associated with Mediterranean climates (check) and underground venues (check) that include tables (check), even if dancers here do not dance on top of them. 

The audience is transported to Andalusia and beyond, through Flamenco dance performances with articulate footwork and hand gestures that distinguish the traditional dance form, and instrumental music played on acoustic guitar, castanets and assorted drums. Both clapping of hands and stomping/stamping of feet are parts of the performance, creating a strong and sweeping rhythm.

Spectators are treated by one of the musicians, who also presents the numbers, to an engaging and entertaining practical lesson about the various instruments, techniques and rhythms. Even the red enamelled fan used by a dancer creates percussion effects as well as visual ones – compare and contrast with the use of feather fans in cabaret and burlesque!

Along with the palpable passion, the performance involves elements of exploration into history and geography, with a range of styles and influences associated with parts of Spain and the world. Already the name of each piece evokes a context, like fandango de Huelga, several examples of tango (not from Argentina), and the more familiar Sevillanas and Bulerias at the end.

The latter involves both the female dancers, who occasionally show a smiling face, unlike what we see during the other numbers. Their expression is usually serious, even fierce, according to the tradition (I remember a Spanish granny saying to a baby girl 'te pones flamenca' when she was far from smiling). Of special interest is the interpretation by a woman of a traditionally male dance, showing a markedly different style. and great competence. An original show worth seeing!