On January 21, 2024, my solo show, “Al Flamenco 2,” came to a successful close at Tablao Alhambra in Nishi-Nippori, with an audience of 103. Most were students from the academy. I was so moved that I could hardly find the words.
The flowers and gifts I received.
I held this second edition almost a year after my first solo show, “Al Flamenco,” which took place at the Akabane studio on January 29, 2023.
For “Al Flamenco 2,” I decided to invite Beni as a guest dancer. I felt considerable pressure and responsibility as I rehearsed and prepared for the show.
Throughout that process, Beni shared many ideas and pieces of advice with me. I learned afresh about my dancing, how to present it on stage, and how to structure a performance. I also felt renewed gratitude for being able to continue studying flamenco in such a supportive environment.
A photo with Beni before the performance.
I chose the title “Al Flamenco” for its literal meaning: toward flamenco. It expresses my wish to keep growing and moving toward flamenco throughout my life. The titles in the program were:
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Puerta del flamenco (Door to Flamenco) / My relationship with flamenco.
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Puerta de la suerte (Door to Good Fortune) / The experience of performing alongside outstanding artists.
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Puerta pura (The True Door) / The experience of discovering true flamenco.
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Puerta del egoísmo (Door to Egoism) / The experience of confronting my inner conflicts.
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Puerta de España (Door to Spain) / My experiences in Spain.
I used the image of a “door” to express the experiences I had lived through. The paintings used in the program design were by the Córdoba artist Julio Romero de Torres. For each title, I chose a painting that evoked its meaning.
The program we handed out on the day of the show.
My heartfelt thanks to guitarist Dan Hasegawa and flamenco singer Miho Komatsu, who supported my dancing with wonderful melodies and singing. Their advice throughout rehearsals helped me feel prepared for the performance.
Thank you also to 松井洋子 and 天野千香 for supporting me with palmas, and to まゆみん, なみちゃん, and さゆりん for helping at reception and with so many other tasks. Everyone’s efforts made this possible!
There is one more thing I want to share. That day was the anniversary of the passing of Beni’s father. I am grateful once again that he agreed to perform on a day so important to him. His beautiful soleá was overflowing with feeling.
I shared this link to the soleá on YouTube.
Link to Beni’s soleá
Although I called it a solo show, I was able to present it thanks to Beni, the artists, everyone who helped with the preparations, and many others. The warm comments from the academy students who came to watch left me deeply moved.
After this second edition, I resolved to keep working hard in the hope of making a third one possible.
At the time, the recording of the show was announced as available on the “BG FLAMENCO” YouTube channel to members at the Eventos/イベント tier or above.
This is the link to the highlights I shared at the time.
Link to the Al Flamenco 2 highlights