The Flamenco Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with its biggest ever programme of dance and music across two weeks this summer (27 May – 8 June) at Sadler’s Wells Theatre and the Lilian Baylis Studio in Islington and Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford as well as an extended programme of events at King’s Place, the Jazz Cafe and Acosta Dance Centre. Highlights include the UK premieres of shows from ‘the queen of flamenco’ Sara Baras, new work from Manuel Liñán, and performances by Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía, plus a range of music events and artists continuing to evolve the art form.
Flamenco Festival is dedicated to showcasing and promoting Spanish culture worldwide. Under the direction of Miguel Marín, the festival’s annual international events serve as a platform for presenting today’s foremost flamenco luminaries — from internationally acclaimed artists and venerable icons of traditional flamenco to the most cutting-edge and promising young talents in dance, music, and song. Established in 2001, Flamenco Festival has evolved into the premier global platform for flamenco, captivating over 1.6 million people annually. Across 112 cities, it has featured 170 companies in 1350 performances, elevating flamenco to a vital part of prestigious theaters worldwide, including NY City Center, Carnegie Hall, London Sadler’s Wells, Arsht Center in Miami, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House, and more.
In 2012, Flamenco Festival launched the ‘In Progress’ residency program in New York, later extending to Miami and London. Evolving further in 2022, the program takes on a new dimension with groundbreaking ‘glo-cal’ creative labs in Torrox (Málaga). This initiative aims to expand the creative horizons of flamenco, encouraging experimentation and self-discovery, embracing the arts as a powerful catalyst for both individual and social transformation.
Andalusian dancer and choreographer Manuel Liñán debuts his latest work with 12 performers on stage, including musicians and flamenco dancers. Muerta de Amor (UK Premiere, 2 June) embraces desire and fantasy while showcasing Liñán’s trademark subversive brilliance. Liñán is a Flamenco Festival regular, and most recently presented his creation Amor Amado Amén as part of the Festival in 2023. In 2024, Liñán’s ¡VIVA! returned for performances at The Peacock Theatre.
The Flamenco Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with its biggest ever programme of dance and music across two weeks this summer and Muerta de Amor is an integral part of it. How would you describe the show?
It’s a performance that speaks about the consequences that relationships have on our bodies. Muerta de Amor is a choreography that travels through different atmospheres: desire, provocation, passionate love, toxicity, etc. It explores the importance of connecting with others, what drives us to do so, how it affects our bodies, and how those emotions are danced.
What shall we expect from Muerta de Amor? Can you tell us more about this performance?
We are seven dancers who also sing in this piece, plus five live musicians. All are men, except for one woman — she is the one who ignites the flame of passion.
It’s a flamenco show also inspired by Andalusian song, or copla, with outstanding dancers and musicians, all live. It’s an emotional journey that draws you in and immerses you in an atmosphere where various intense emotions come alive.
You are one of the most trailblazing Andalusian dancers and choreographers. Manuel, how do you feel about debuting your latest work with 12 performers on stage, including musicians and flamenco dancers?
Very happy. I consider myself an honest and committed person, very consistent and hardworking. I like to surround myself with people I admire — that helps me grow both as an artist and as a person.
How do you feel about coming to London and to the famous Sadler’s Wells Theatre?
I’ve been lucky to perform there on previous occasions. It’s a festival I’m very fond of — I’ve been able to present several of my artistic works there and share my artistic journey with the London audience, whom I now consider like family. I’m nervous and excited to share my latest work there.
How did your career start?
I started dancing at school when I was five years old. At first, it was like a game, until I realized that through dance I could express what I couldn’t say with words. I was a very shy and reserved child. I studied in Granada until I was 17, and then I moved to Madrid — that’s where my professional career began.
What advice would you give to people who are not familiar with flamenco and will come to the show?
Flamenco is an art form you connect with very quickly — it’s very passionate and invites you to feel deeply. It’s an opportunity we have for transformation. Art and dance change us; they make us feel and share emotions in a world that moves faster and faster, where we are becoming increasingly individualistic. We need to save space for emotion, and for that, flamenco is unique.
How would you describe the British audience? Is it different from other audiences, like Hispanic or Latinx audiences?
They are a wonderful audience – they show warmth and affection. For me, they are very special and knowledgeable.
What are your future plans?
To dance and create. I can’t stop creating; I love dance. In fact, I’m already working on a new production that I will premiere in August in Granada. It’s called Llámame Lorca, and it’s a tribute to Federico García Lorca.
Sadler’s Wells is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. www.sadlerswells.com
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