David Coria Los Bailes Robados

Dancing to overcome pain. To stand up against enslavement and clamor for freedom. Dancing to exist. That’s what women and men – crazed with a collective dance frenzy – did repeatedly throughout history, in Strasbourg and elsewhere. During these still unexplained episodes, their wild disarticulations loudly expressed what their words as oppressed people could not tell, says David Coria. Taking his cue, the Andalusian choreographer has invited the most prominent flamenco artists, including Aitana Rousseau, Florencia Oz, Marta Gálvez and Rafael Ramírez – to a liberating and rebellious dance. His polyphonic work forcefully conveys a political and social statement for anyone still today relegated as an outcast – witches, lunatics, and “different” people. The performers switch from hysteria to harmony, movement to stillness, backed by the talent of outstanding musicians. Encouraging everyone to “dance a pas de deux with life.”  

Isabelle Calabre