DistantNews
Support us
Antonio Najarro Presents Contemporary 'Bolero' in Japan
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Culture & Society

Antonio Najarro Presents Contemporary 'Bolero' in Japan

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified New plan
  • Spanish choreographer Antonio Najarro presents a contemporary version of 'Bolero' in Japan, based on Maurice Ravel's classic.
  • The new production incorporates traditional Canary Islands percussion instruments and Spanish dance elements like the bata de cola and capa española.
  • Najarro's company will perform in three Japanese cities, aiming to connect with an audience known for its deep appreciation of Spanish dance.

Spanish choreographer Antonio Najarro is bringing his contemporary interpretation of Maurice Ravel's iconic 'Bolero' to Japan, marking a significant cultural exchange. The premiere, taking place over 10,000 kilometers from his home base in Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, is a special occasion for Najarro, who has visited Japan for over two decades in various artistic capacities.

This time he feels it is a 'very special' occasion because he is premiering a piece that Japan 'adores'.

— Antonio NajarroOn the significance of premiering his 'Bolero' in Japan.

Najarro's 'Bolero' fuses traditional and modern elements. He introduces the 'chácaras de La Gomera,' an ancestral percussion instrument from the Canary Islands, to create a dialogue with castanets, accompanying Ravel's original music. The production also features traditional Spanish dance attire, including the 'bata de cola' and 'capa española,' with a striking color palette of red and black.

The choreographer's company, comprising 14 dancers, will perform in three Japanese cities: Kawaguchi, Nagoya, and Tokyo throughout August. Najarro anticipates an emotional connection with the Japanese audience, whom he describes as passionate and highly knowledgeable about Spanish dance. He notes that while Japanese culture may appear reserved, audiences there generate a "very special energy" when witnessing visceral, technically refined, and aesthetically rich dance performances.

When they see such visceral dance, with refined technique, so aesthetic and that deviates from their daily life, a 'very special energy' is generated that contrasts with the 'hyper-respect' that the Japanese lifestyle and customs exude and that, he acknowledges, 'can seem cold'.

— Antonio NajarroDescribing the anticipated reaction of the Japanese audience to his dance performance.

Complementing 'Bolero' in the Japanese tour is 'Alento,' another signature piece from Najarro's company. Inspired by Argentine composer Fernando Egozcue, 'Alento' explores various styles of Spanish dance with influences from tango and jazz. The performance includes live music from five musicians, showcasing an innovative, plural, and international approach to Spanish dance, reflecting the company's acclaimed reputation.

He also emphasizes that, in this case, it is an audience 'hyper-knowledgeable' and 'very studious', particularly of flamenco guitar.

— Antonio NajarroHighlighting the expertise of the Japanese audience regarding Spanish dance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog