I did not agree with the other reviewers' assessment of this place.
First, the positive: the venue is very intimate, and it's true that because it's so small, even in the worst seats (on the sides), you can still see almost everything clearly.
I suggest you arrive half an hour before the start of the show so you can be sure to get your (included) drink and get a better seat.
The negative. I came here for the earlier showing (1800). The area where you are seated is small, but also has zero air flow. If this was the US, I doubt it would be up to fire code standards. They close the doors during the performances and it gets hot in there quick. The poor performers had sweat dripping off of them and it quickly turned into a sauna in the room. There is a mini split, but if you know about how they cool, you understand why this is not a reasonable solution for cooling the space.
The performance itself. I am a flamenco afficionado. It is one of the main reasons we decided to travel to Spain. I saw 2 shows in Barcelona and will see more in Sevilla once we leave Madrid. (I've also seen maybe 10 more in the US.) I was pretty sorely disappointed in this show--I would say it was the worst one I've seen. The introduction was interesting, learning about the history of flamenco.
The singing was lackluster--I would assume this gentleman does not do this professionally. He did not have the gritty, soulful voice that I associate with the cante flamenco.
The dancing itself was fine. There was not much of it, however. Of the approximate 60 minute show, I would say that more than half was dedicated to not dancing. Guitar solo, cajon (drum) solo, and singing with guitar performances took up too much time. Literally people were nodding off during the drum solo. The non dancing performances seemed arbitrary: about 10 minutes in, the door would open (letting in a much needed air refresh) where a gentleman would say something and that performance would end shortly thereafter.
This was the show I picked with my limited time in Madrid, so I can't recommend a different one, but I'd skip this...
Read moreI recently had the opportunity to experience the captivating world of flamenco at the Essential Flamenco show in Madrid, and it was truly an unforgettable evening. From the moment I stepped into the intimate theater, I was immersed in the vibrant energy and passion that is synonymous with this iconic dance form. The dancers, dressed exquisitely, exuded a raw intensity that was both mesmerizing and awe-inspiring. Their movements were fluid and precise, conveying a range of emotions from joy to sorrow, anger to love. The intricate footwork, hand gestures, and facial expressions were simply breathtaking, showcasing the incredible skill and artistry of these performers. The live music was equally captivating, with the flamenco guitarist and singers creating a mesmerizing soundtrack that perfectly complemented the dancers' movements. The passionate melodies and rhythmic beats ignited a fire within me, urging me to clap and stomp along with the music. The theater itself was a perfect setting for this intimate flamenco experience. The warm lighting and traditional decor created a cozy atmosphere that added to the overall charm of the show. The small stage allowed me to feel close to the performers, as if I was part of the performance itself. Overall, I highly recommend the Essential Flamenco show to anyone who wants to experience the true essence of flamenco. It is a captivating and unforgettable experience that will leave you...
Read moreTruly an amazing experience! The show is extremely lively and is extremely impressive! From the flamenco dancer to the instrumentalists, everyone seems to have a deep understanding of their craft and it shows through the performance! I would recommend arriving at least 15-10 minutes before to get your free drink of choice and as well as having a higher chance of getting seats facing directly opposite the stage rather than having a side view. The cave is located downstairs which you will be lead to by the staff. After everyone is seated, the show starts on the dot and a staff member will explain the history of Flamenco both in English and Spanish. Then the performances begin with solo performances and group performances interchangeably. The show goes on for an hour and it truly is a wonder to watch! Although it may not be for everyone as some parts can be repetitive or not as interesting, I do recommend seeing this show if you are interested in live performances and the arts in general!
My personal favorite performer when I watched was the female flamenco dancer. She has to be aware and in control of the movement of the dress, her facial expressions, her hands, her feet, her shoes, and especially her balance throughout her performance. Seeing it all together is...
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