“Sevilla” by María Pagés – opinions of the Spanish students

María, a woman who evokes passion..

- National Dance Award 2002 (Artistic Creation)
- ADE National Choreography Award 1996
- 4 Giraldillo Awards, XII Bienal de Arte Flamenco
- 1 Giraldillo Awards, XV Bienal de Arte Flamenco
- Leonide Massine Award 2004
- VI Flamenco Hoy Award 2005
- Cultura Viva Award, 2005
- Culture Award, Madrid Community 2007
- Critics’ Award for Best Show, XV Bienal de Arte Flamenco

It is obvious that this flamenco dancer has an incomparable talent which has enabled her to push her own limits and those of flamenco itself.

Both a choreographer and a flamenco dancer, she began her professional career as a member of the Antonio Gades company, taking part in different shows such as Carmen and Bodas de sangre, and in 1990, she started the María Pagés company, which has put on such shows as Flamenco Republic, el Tírana, De la luna al viento, el perro andaluz and bulerías all over the world: the USA, the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Israel, Mexico, Russia, Egypt and many more.

But on Friday, March 6th, 2009, at the Arriaga Theatre, she and her company presented ‘Sevilla’, the city which María Pagés wants the whole world to discover.

The show begins with María on stage alone, in traditional dress. Many different scenes follow from this point…

Her expressive dances, swaying in front of a cross to a beautiful song. The women of Seville, sitting in a semi-circle and who open their fans and use them like musical instruments, each one in their own style. The dancers who transform themselves into quicksand thanks to red material, leaving María Pagés to enter into the action, or a magnificent and unique scene, with the dancers’ luminous shoes visible due to black light.

Enormous singing productions!
Scenes which leave you breathless!
Amazing performances!

“Sevilla” is a show which cannot be explained; it has to be seen to be experienced. Here at Instituto Hemingway, we had the opportunity to enjoy it live in all its glory.


TIN Champa.
Work experience student from Lycée Jeham de Chelles at Instituto Hemingway