Art of Andalucia
★★★★★ Captivating
YOTEL Edinburgh (Venue 572): Fri 1 – Mon 25 Aug 2024
Review by Suzanne O’Brien
Art of Andalucia, from the Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company at YOTEL Edinburgh, transports audiences straight into the heart of a Spanish tablao, delivering 80 minutes of pure passion and flamenco artistry.
The space is set up in a cabaret-style with circular tables, sangria, tapas, and water available, which creates an atmosphere evoking the intimacy of a warm Andalusian night. Though the space isn’t exactly small, the setup brings the audience close to the action, close enough to see the beads of sweat, the intense concentration, and the expressive power behind every movement, chord and note.
Promotion image for The Art of Andalucia.
Unlike traditional flamenco, where the guitar typically follows the dancer, this performance presents more of a dialogue – a musical conversation between dancer and guitarist. Daniel Martinez, flamenco guitarist and composer, performs both past works and new pieces. His technical ability is captivating, with his dexterous fingers moving across the strings with ease. It’s almost hypnotic.
In addition to guitar solos, there is flamenco vocals by Inma Montero and Danielo Olivera, and percussion from Julian Ticotico. Together, they build a rich, live soundscape that fuels the dancers. The company’s love for what they do shines through in their onstage interactions, genuine admiration for each other’s talents, and infectious smiles.
speed and precision
Dancers Angel Reyes and Gabriela Pouso take turns on stage. Reyes possesses incredible speed and precision. His taconeo (footwork) is so fiery and sharp, it feels like he could ignite the floor beneath him. His shaping and control, shifting from explosive to fluid, are mesmerising to watch.
Pouso brings elegance and strength, adorned in traditional costume and delivering refined, expressive movement. Her work with a fringed shawl during one section adds a dramatic visual flair.
The choreography throughout is complex, expressive, and true to flamenco’s emotional depth. The dancers aren’t just responding to the music; at times, they create the music, using their bodies as instruments to create rhythm and energy.
The Art of Andalucia company. Pic: Anabell de Sousa
The only slightly distracting element is the 360-degree wall projections. These projections are used to promote the company’s two fringe shows and their tour via a QR code throughout the entire piece. A creative use of these screens could have elevated the atmosphere even further; or removing them altogether would have kept the focus entirely on the performance.
This production by Daniel Martinez Flamenco Company is a spectacle of flamenco music and dance that is rich and emotionally charged. The interaction between the dancers, musicians, and Martinez’s compositions creates a performance that is both technically masterful and deeply entertaining.
Running time: One hour and 20 minutes (no interval).
YOTEL Edinburgh (ImagineX) , 68-73 Queen Street EH2 4NA (Venue 572).
Friday 1 – Monday 25 August 2025.
Daily: 1pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Daniel Martinez Flamenco website: https://danielmartinezflamenco.com
Facebook: @danielmartinezflamenco
Instagram: @danielmartinezflamencocompany
YouTube: @danielmartinezflamenco
X: @danielmflamenco
ENDS
