Charming dancer from Cádiz Sara Baras (San Fernando, 1971) returns to Catalonia with ‘Vuela’, a tribute to the universal guitarist Paco de Lucia in memory of Your company’s 25th anniversary. In his new creation, the dancer and choreographer brings to life the spirit of the guitarist’s flamenco conductor through dance and music. Its premiere was successfully held at the Teatro Real in Madrid and next Saturday it will stop at the Auditori de Girona in the first stop of the tour, which will reach the Liceu on March 20 and the Teatro Coliseum in the autumn. (From October 23 to November 10).
What is it like to ‘fly’?
This is a tribute to the great teacher Paco de Lucía. It’s full of detail and technically one of the most difficult jobs I’ve ever done. I take great pride in always going a little further to grow and develop. In this new show, I wanted to immerse myself in the most emotional part; It’s something that is achieved by weaving everything together very well: dance, music and dramaturgy. Everything is very careful.
Do you listen to many of Paco de Lucía’s works?
The guitarist who accompanied me, the wonderful Keko Valdemoro, the company’s musical director, designed a soundtrack that fades in and out, highlighting key moments in the maestro’s works. Music, lights and costumes come together and go in the same direction, trying to convey the concepts of the show as much as possible, approaching the master with four different acts. The first focuses on the roots, the second on the sea, the third on death, and the last on flying, bidding farewell to the spectacle that invites celebration and joy.
What was your relationship like with Paco de Lucía?
I am part of the Paco de Lucía Foundation and know his family. For me it is a reference. I had the chance to meet him and follow his advice. At first, when I was little, I respected him so much that I didn’t even dare to talk to him, but then I got over that and was able to see that his personal qualities were as excellent as his professional qualities. . His art and music go far beyond flamenco. And I think now, 10 years after his death, it was time to pay that tribute.
And it’s not every day that the company’s 25th anniversary is celebrated. What is the secret to staying healthy?
It’s not easy at all. We have come to this point because we have been working non-stop for all these years, because this is a private company. It was kept afloat thanks to the public, for whose support I can never thank enough from the very beginning. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to continue dreaming. We’ve performed 13 shows and over 4,000 shows and traveled halfway around the world. And always without letting your guard down!
It also gave wings to new talents: One of its singers, Israel Fernández, became a star.
Isra is successful everywhere and I am happy for her. We have a nice relationship and continue to share things because we are both managed by the same RLM agency. At the ‘Vuela’ I am accompanied by two singers: May Fernández, who will definitely give a lot to talk about, and ‘El Mati’ (Matías López), a monster-level Catalan singer who replaces Isra. The company is a showcase of high-quality artists who can fly solo in both music and dance.
And there are so many people who have been part of this adventure over the past 25 years.
There are a lot of people who go through this company and the best thing is that all of us who are in this company want to keep learning, do a job well done. You have to work hard for it, but you have to respect everyone because without that you can’t grow, do your best or leave your soul on the stage. The team I have and with whom I share the same values is crucial to continuing to climb and take risks. We are very lucky.
What are you most proud of?
It’s very exciting to look back and see that you have your own label. I will also highlight the supportive part of the company that teaches us and helps us grow. But I still feel like there’s a long way to go.
We’re going back to ‘Fly’. What is most innovative?
I do 10 out of 15 issues. This is so scary! I’m getting older but getting stronger. I thought maturity would be different but I’m very strong so I’m taking advantage of it. The level we have reached with this show will surprise the public.
And there is everything: zapateado, minera, tiento, saeta, copla, fandango, bulería, seguirilla… You will be in shape.
My personal trainer provides me with a lot of hard work. You shouldn’t let your guard down when you’re with him, you should give 100%. This is better because we have planned 100 performances in Spain on this tour and then we plan to perform abroad as well.