Alma: a night of bolero, flamenco, and memory at Medellín’s Roman Theater
Sarah Baras, born in Saint Ferdinand in 1971, will bring a distinctly magical aura to Medellín’s Roman theater with her show Alma as part of the Metellinum Festival. The performance is scheduled for Saturday at ten o’clock in the evening, a staging that blends Bolero melodies with flamenco rhythm in a heartfelt tribute to her father from Cádiz. He always held a deep love for bolero, and his passion informs every moment of this intimate presentation.
What makes Alma such a magical show?
The energy is identical to a current that passes through the room. Alma seeks to give the soul and share it with the audience, weaving a kind of spell that feels almost inevitable in its warmth.
Who will perform?
Alma fuses familiar bolero tunes with flamenco’s most traditional movements. Keko Baldomero leads the musical ensemble, supported by seven live musicians—each a master in their craft. The cast includes Rubio de Pruna and Matías López in dubbing, Diego Villegas guiding the ropes, Antón Suárez and Manuel Muñoz known as El Pajaro on percussion, Andrés Martínez and Baldomero on guitar. A dynamic young dancer, Daniel Saltares, shares the stage with five principal dancers described as radiant. The ensemble also features Juana la del Pipa, Israel Fernández, and Rancapino Chico in collaboration, with Alex Romero contributing a piano interpretation of Vete de mí. The atmosphere is charged with spirit, energy, and positivity. Against the stronger, more poignant moments, there are no sad departures—only a living, vibrant force on stage.
What makes these bolero versions especially meaningful?
Alma acts as a tribute to Baras’s father, a true bolero aficionado. While flamenco and bolero have mixed before, this production crafts a novel conversation between the two genres. The choreography allows dancers to respond to melodies with movement, and the fusion of a classic bolero lyric with flamenco rhythm feels fresh and intimate. Baras hints at plenty of material to explore in future acts, suggesting that Alma could evolve into a multipart experience, should inspiration and time permit.
“Flamenco is an art that speaks directly to the heart and knows no borders”
A question about whether the act of dancing stemmed from family influence arises. Was there ever a doubt about becoming a bailaora, given family ties and maternal encouragement?
The answer is simple: there was no doubt at all. From childhood, dance was a constant presence. The idea of life without dancing never crossed the mind. The dream of leading her own company and touring the world seemed almost impossible, yet it became real through perseverance and passion.
What does receiving the Fine Art Gold Medal of Merit mean for Baras and her company?
It represents a high privilege and a reminder that the hard work matters. Baras’s private company has grown with public support, a partnership that fuels ambitious dreaming. After twenty-five years, the acknowledgement reaffirms the path and motivates everyone involved. The award is shared with loyal supporters and the devoted audience that has followed the company from the start.
How did the post-pandemic return shape Alma’s life on stage?
The period was tough for many, yet it also offered moments of renewed purpose. Reemerging on stage was a vivid reminder of the audience’s warmth and the company’s unity. The team renewed its energy, and their collective resilience brought a brighter, more courageous stage presence. It underscored the joy of shared emotion and the power of performance to reconnect people after isolation.
How should one invite people to this show in the Roman Theater, a venue of such beauty?
These venues are special for a reason. The evening invites two hours of immersion in flamenco and bolero, a chance to soak in color, space, and energy. Medellín’s Roman Theater is a luminous setting for this combination, and the promise is clear: those who attend will experience moments of connection and vitality. The dancers stand ready to share their heart and soul with the audience, inviting everyone to feel the music in their bones.
“We feel more than we articulate”
A moment of goosebumps is almost guaranteed for two hours of performance. How does the team approach the emotional transport they aim to provide?
The idea is to allow the audience to feel deeply, to share in a kind of living emotion. The venues chosen for Alma are already steeped in magic, and the company is prepared to chase that duende and a touch of magic. It is a personal passion project celebrated with a sense of reverence for the art.
Which performances stand out most in Baras’s career, in terms of traveling to iconic stages?
There have been many remarkable theaters and cities, from Sydney’s Opera House to London, New York, and Paris. The group has toured internationally, sharing flamenco’s universality with audiences around the world. Flamenco speaks a universal language—it touches the heart, not the passport—and this tour embodies that truth vividly.
Is flamenco widely accepted across nations?
The genre has earned its place on major stages alongside music and dance festivals worldwide. Figures like Paco de Lucía, Carmen Amaya, Enrique Morente, and Camarón helped open those doors, elevating flamenco to a respected global art. The profession remains proud of its international footprint, and Alma contributes to that ongoing respect and curiosity.
“Helping is a privilege, not an obligation”
Why does giving back matter to a performer of Baras’s stature?
A turning point came when it became possible to help others. Baras supports Rett syndrome foundations and other charitable efforts, recognizing the difference such work can make for families facing illness. She believes helping is a privilege that should be embraced by anyone who can contribute. Her dedication to causes close to her heart reflects the core values that guide her artistry and public life.