Showcasing a contemporary flamenco style, Flamencodanza brings together dancer Aylin Bayaz, and guitarist Raúl Mannola, based in Spain. Their award-winning show has toured internationally, captivating audiences in Edinburgh, the US and across Australia and New Zealand.

Raúl’s unique melding of classical Flamenco, Brazilian music and jazz was mesmerising, and well deserving of a show in its own right – as was the case for their first 3 scheduled shows, due to unforeseen circumstances.

Dancer Aylin Bayaz combined passion, elegance and precision, with her crisp clean footwork, lyrical palmas (rhythmic handclapping) and beautiful braceo (flamenco carriage of the arms, wrist and body).

A particular highlight for me was watching Aylin’s complete mastery of the mantón (a traditional, square silk shawl with macramé fringe). It was truly impressive to watch her twirl the large mantón with such control, making it an extension of her body.

What truly elevates Flamencodanza is the seamless symbiosis between Bayaz and Mannola, a partnership that clearly comes from years of working together. Every shift in rhythm, dynamic and tempo was instinctively matched, with dancer and guitarist responding to one another in a fluid, unspoken dialogue. Watching movement and music unfold together with such connection breathed life into the art form.

At its heart, Flamencodanza is a conversation. Not just between dancer and musician, but also the artists and the audience. Together, Bayaz and Mannola create something intimate and absorbing, reminding us that flamenco is not just seen or heard, but deeply felt.