Flamenco Carmen brings out the best in Bizet's drama of love and hate
For half a decade, Stella Arauzo was both the artistic director of Compañía Antonio Gades, and the principal dancer of its iconic flamenco adaptation of Georges Bizet's Carmen.
CARMEN
Compañía Antonio Gades
For half a decade, Stella Arauzo was both the artistic director of Compañía Antonio Gades, and the principal dancer of its iconic flamenco adaptation of Georges Bizet's Carmen.
In 2010 she decided to stop performing to concentrate on nurturing the Madrid-based company. The dancer thinks it's only natural to pass the torch to a new generation.
"I'm proud to pass on my knowledge, and teach them everything I learned with Gades. I want to share my own experience, and discovery of this character throughout the years," says Arauzo.
She first performed the role of Carmen in 1988, when chosen by her late mentor, flamenco maestro and choreographer Antonio Gades.
"The evolution of the piece is made possible by all the different artists who have injected their personality and soul into their characters. But we always safeguard Gades' teachings, some of which include minimalism and sobriety. We preserve the essence in the dance and the interpretation of the characters, as well as keep our honesty and humility as artists."