BALLET NACIONAL DE ESPAÑA

With Afanador, Marcos Morau pays homage to Colombian photographer Ruvén Afanador through dance and sets a new benchmark in Spanish dance. The theatrical aesthetics of flamenco photography inspired choreographer Morau to craft this significant production. Aiming to create an equally captivating and impulsive universe, his dance continues where the powerful spell of the photographs leaves off – and transports the mystical imagery of flamenco into a visionary dance realm. Timeless beauty blooms in the unique fusion of dance and photography.

With nine awards spanning 2024 and 2025, »Afanador« undoubtedly signifies a turning point for the Spanish National Ballet. »It’s like viewing Ruvén Afanador’s photography through a fresh perspective«, says ballet director Rubén Olmo – »a perspective made of dreams, desires, and memories«, adds Morau. Each scene starts with an iconic image, a static snapshot that is ultimately brought to life by a total of 33 dancers from the Ballet Nacional de España. Flamenco melds with contemporary dance and new compositions. Black-and-white photography, scenery, and music ranging from electronic to traditional flamenco, alongside echoes of Holy Week, create dramatic contrasts. What we see becomes alienated, with new elements emerging: waterfalls, avalanches, and storms. The sacred heritage of flamenco – its austerity, beauty, and mystery – is carried into a new present and future.

The performance on FRI June 19 is part of Festival-Subscription II.