The renowned Seville-based ensemble Puerto Flamenco will arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina this week, bringing its flamenco spectacle “PURO” to audiences in Mostar, Sarajevo and Tuzla as part of the Dance and Art Festival Dansar.
The ensemble will perform in Mostar on September 17 at Hrvatski dom Herceg Stjepan Kosača at 20:00, followed by a performance in Sarajevo on September 19 at BKC at 20:00, and Tuzla on September 20 at BKC at 19:30.
“PURO” takes audiences through the many faces of flamenco, from powerful rhythms and defiance to deep longing and intimate emotion. The combination of dance, live music and raw stage energy creates an immediate experience of one of Andalusia’s most recognizable art forms.
The emotional depth of flamenco also creates a natural connection with Bosnian sevdah.
“We want to convey to people the real, raw energy of flamenco that is experienced most intensively in the peñas and tablaos of Seville. PURO in itself leaves a lot of room for improvisation. Musicians and dancers breathe as one, we listen and react to looks, movements and rhythm, so things often happen that none of us planned. It is then that moments occur that cannot be repeated. The performances in Mostar, Sarajevo and Tuzla will also be a story in themselves,” said percussionist and Puerto Flamenco co-founder Andrej Vujičić.
According to Vujičić, improvisation is one of the essential elements of flamenco, but it requires years of practice, exceptional technique and a deep understanding of complex rhythms and the signs performers use to communicate with one another on stage.
Dancer, choreographer and Puerto Flamenco co-founder Francesca “La Chica” Grima said the ensemble is particularly looking forward to meeting audiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We are very excited about the tour and can’t wait for the performances in Mostar, Sarajevo and Tuzla. I am especially glad that I have the opportunity to come with my family, present the art of flamenco to the audience, meet people and of course try Bosnian food. See you soon,” said Grima from Triana in Seville.
Flamenco enthusiasts in Sarajevo will also have the opportunity to meet Grima and learn the basics of the dance under her guidance. Her Masterclass will be held on Friday, September 18, with interested participants invited to contact Festival Dansar for information about the exact location, schedule and registration. The number of participants is limited.
Founded in Seville in 2004, Puerto Flamenco has spent more than two decades developing a distinctive artistic expression rooted in traditional flamenco while incorporating a contemporary approach to stage performance.
The ensemble has performed at major stages and festivals around the world, including the Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla, Festival de Jerez, WOMAD, Sziget Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, QPAC Theater in Brisbane, Pittsburgh Guitar Festival and Malta Arts Festival.
This year’s Dansar Festival and the visit of the Spanish artists to Bosnia and Herzegovina are supported by the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Embassy of Spain in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the City of Sarajevo and the Tourist Board of Sarajevo Canton – Visit Sarajevo.
Tickets are available online through the ENTRIO platform, as well as at the three performance venues and other standard physical sales points in Mostar, Sarajevo and Tuzla.
More information is available on the Dansar Festival’s website and its Facebook and Instagram profiles.
