1 Flamenco Fan (Out of 4)

What can I say?? The problem with Vegas flamenco is this: Because the majority of people in town are unfamiliar with flamenco & its culture - flamenco performances, in general, are poor. In this neon glitzy city, performers with poor, little, or no flamenco training can claim to be flamenco dancers. Auditions (except the Bellagio) for flamenco are nonexistent. Flamenco in Vegas has several problems. Most casinos could care less about the quality of the footwork, which is oftentimes performed on parquet floors that are placed over concrete floors. We also have several so-called flamencos who have difficulty finding, or remaining in "compas," along with sloppy armwork, and clunky hands.

Well, for those who have frequently inquired as to where flamenco can be seen in Vegas - we have a new venue, and it is called Ba-Ba-Ree-ba! Tuesday evening, we attended their special Tapas & Wine event. Speaking with the management, we were informed that they plan to have a flamenco show once a month. That evening, and to my surprise, there was a flamenco show scheduled for 7:30. As stated in the previous paragraph, Vegas flamenco can oftentimes be, for an aficionado, a horrible ordeal to watch & listen. The general manager mentioned that the owner was an aficionado. Considering this, I would be surprised to know that he selected Alhambra (this group's name) to perform at his restaurant. This particular show reminded me of the amateur night we saw at La Carbonera in Madrid, Spain. It was obvious that Alhambra’s lead dancer has limited and basic flamenco training. This became evident when she consistently bounced like a bunny through her beginning flamenco 101 routine while perodically swishing her skirt like a Can-Can dancer. After the show, she mentioned that she doesn’t pay attention to what people say about her dancing, and for that reason, has developed a “cocoon around me.” I can see why. She admitted that the restaurant really didn’t know any better. (Remember what I stated in the previous paragraph?) And it gets better …“Mutt and Jeff” is how the other dancer described she and the lead dancer. Picture that comment in your mind; yes, that’s exactly it. I didn’t say it - she did. I especially loved the last number, whereas both of them muffled the footwork, and almost crashed into each other. It was like a comedy scene from an Almovadar movie.

What is so disheartening is that these flamencos have performed the same exact dances in Vegas every year, and after how many times, they still haven't gotten it right. Enough said. To his credit, the guitarist, Jose, was consistently in "compas," and did an excellent job of following the dancers' movements - which is no small accomplishment. He also accompanied and sang with his father, Pepe, with ease. Ole, Jose!

As you can see, Vegas has some major flamenco problems that we need to correct. Maybe, Cafe B will get it right next year. If not ... oh well, it's Vegas, right?