A trip to an imaginary Seville, that of Israel Galván’s childhood. Guided by the bailaor, we’re immersed in the vitality of Andalusia with La Charanga, a festive orchestra which plays at weddings and parties. In a more solemn sequence, Benjamin Alardon plays the harpsichord and we encounter the innocent spirit of Cuckoo, Benjamin Britten’s song for children, while cantaora María Marín sings in the style of flamenco that bears the name of Galvan’s home city: sevillana. The sevillana is a couples dance, not an obvious choice for this prodigious, authentic, avant-guard soloist. Is he dancing with the sevillana itself ? With his own feminine side? Is this a declaration of love for tradition? Absolutely, but one that’s made while surpassing it, with a flower in his hair.

Thomas Hahn