Sarah Baras, born in San Fernando, Cádiz in 1971, lives for dance and the stage. On August 6, she will present her final performance, Alma, at the Starlite Festival. Now past fifty, she feels a surge of energy and remains grateful that her feet stay firmly on the ground.
What is ‘spirit’?
Alma is a production that blends flamenco with bolero. Classic boleros are reimagined through traditional flamenco forms, creating a fusion that delights not only the music but also the visual elements of the show, including the stage design, costumes, and choreography. The performance marries bold flamenco movements with the gentle cadence of bolero, resulting in a joyful experience that carries deep, reflective moments without leaning toward sadness.
Which boleros are recognizable?
The repertoire includes memorable pieces like Nostalgia, I miss you, Something from you, and Get out of me. The bolero journey feels expansive and accessible, yet surprising enough to feel a melody such as Nostalgia embedded within a siguiriya rhythm, giving it a fresh, recognizable flavor.
He grew up listening to the bolero, thanks to his father.
Indeed, Alma is a tribute to her father. Just as her mother taught her to love flamenco, she passed on the affection for boleros, shaping a personal connection to both traditions.
Who did he trust to turn off the boleros and who is he bringing to Starlite?
Keko Baldomero has served as the company’s music director for many years, leading the bolero fusion arrangements. Two exceptional live singers, Rubio de Pruna and Matías López, share the stage, while Juana La del Pipa, Rancapino Chico, and Israel Fernández contribute collaborative vocal pieces. Álex Romero on piano provides a graceful accompaniment for playback and the song Vete de mí. The rhythm section is propelled by Diego Villegas on harmonica and saxophone, with Antón Suárez and Lolo el Pajaro adding vibrant guitar textures. Seven musicians join in, complemented by five dancers described as angels and Daniel Saltares as the sole male dancer in Alma.
This show was designed while off…
The pandemic offered a rare window to nurture Alma alongside another project that premiered called Moments. The creative team selected costumes, landscapes, and boleros where fashion plays a pivotal role, merging bolero and flamenco with a modern vision. Materials like lycra, silk, and crepe were sourced to craft the look of Alma.
As a dancer, you must feel good for the outfit you wear to fulfill its aesthetic function.
There is a deep respect for what suits an artist, yet the goal is to contribute something more. The fusion of a new bolero repertoire with a fresh perspective allows the wardrobe to support the performance. The costumes for Alma are created by Luis F. Dos Santos, who has collaborated closely and understands how the clothes should move with the dancers.
Was it difficult for you to return to the stage and go on tour after prison, or did you feel the need to reconnect with the public?
There was a fierce urge to return. Dance is essential, and the bond with the stage and the audience is irreplaceable. The initial rehearsals felt like a gift—an outpouring of energy and desire to share those emotions with the public. The team still carries that same energy and anticipation for every performance.
You say turning 50 is something very important to you…
Turning fifty proved empowering rather than limiting. It brought clarity, focus, and happiness that reflect in how she dances and creates. It feels like a new gift rather than a milestone.
What do you like most about yourself as a dancer now?
The energy and the ability to savor every moment. The sense of luck, the privilege of sharing with a remarkable team, and the ongoing discipline of practice and study keep every performance alive. The best part is keeping both feet grounded and sharing the stage with a great troupe, never letting the guard down.