Award-winning choreographer and dancer, Manuel Liñán brings his show ¡VIVA! to Peacock Theatre and we went along to see it. The show is an exuberant expression of passion and emotional intensity and it bursts with rhythmic complexity and dramatic expression. This is punctuated by Liñán’s original creativity and comedic queer expression.
Nominated for an outstanding achievement in dance at the Olivier Awards 2023, this modern flamenco drag performance features traditional rhythmic footwork, curving arms and slaps to the thighs like alegrías, tárantos and bulerías.
The powerful performance of drag flamenco dancers draw the audience in through intricate footwork and graceful movements accompanied by the traditional “cante” (singing) and “toque” (guitar playing). In true flamenco style, we experienced the emotions through the highs and lows of the singing. The extraordinary dancers told their stories through graceful and powerful movements using expressions and traditional castanets, dresses, and shawls.
¡VIVA! is also a milestone that addresses the issue of identity and gender in flamenco. To us, the gender did not matter as the beauty of this vibrant performing art delivered an unforgettable evening of pure joy! The reveal of the dancers behind the costumes towards the end was a poignant reminder of how the arts have the power to astound and unite through their beautiful diversity.
Whether you’re a seasoned dance aficionado or a curious newcomer, Sadler’s Wells has a diverse programme of shows. To us, this show was the quickest and most enjoyable one hour and forty minutes of pure delight. Come and see one of their shows and be moved by performances that connect, reveal, and astonish.
¡VIVA! is at Peacock Theatre until Saturday 19 October 2024
Tickets from £18. To book visit the www.sadlerswells.com
Please visit our shows page for a selection of family friendly theatre and art shows in London.