Culture Seep: Inside “Spanish, Very Spanish”
at Hopewell Theater
Above: Founder and Artistic Director Linda Erickson of Europium Dance Theater, contributed photo
By Mandee K. Hammerstein
“Looking at life from a different angle through dance, that infuses all things” is the theme, as stated when talking with Founder and Director Linda Erickson of Europium Dance Theater, regarding the company’s upcoming show “Spanish, Very Spanish,” running January 25th and 26th at the Hopewell Theater. More specifically, Erickson says the answer is simple, “It’s ultimately a celebration of the Spanish Culture, that amplifies the beautiful and exciting music that spans over Latin America and Spain.” The set, as described, is minimal in keeping with Erickson’s esthetic for what is planned on stage. As Erickson puts it, there only needs to be a little help from lighting and props, as the emphasis is placed on the most critical elements, the emotion, and movement that carefully coincides with the curated music. Erickson also points out that the performance is “costume heavy,” – stating that beautiful costumes instinctually make you dance even better.
Above: Lisa Botalico, contributed
What makes this dance production uniquely different, per Erickson, is that as the director, she does not follow the usual theatrical formula. The show is driven by not only her emotions but those of the 16 performers. Together, they bring what they are feeling and synchronize those feelings instinctually throughout numerous rehearsals. As a close-knit group, they explore a theme, take it inside out, upside down and reveal whatever it is in-between. “My Europium dancers are deeply creative and have professional, theatrical backgrounds; they contribute incredible ideas I couldn’t possibly come up with myself. Our work is truly a collaboration and, of course, an artistic expression process that always needs exploration. These dancers give their all and are fearless” – stated Erickson.
Before her life-long study of professional dance, Erickson first experienced the art of Flamenco at the very early age of five, describing that in a beautifully-eerie way, Flamenco had then haunted her all her life. Much later and to her surprise, it was discovered that her ancestors originated from Spain, where Flamenco Dance was originated. Now, and since Erickson dove heavily into this traditional dance form, she can proudly say she feels it through her blood and bones and plans on bringing all her joy for this inspirational, dance gift to audiences. (More on Erickson’s bio below)
With her quiet-spoken demeanor, mixed with ever-curious energy, Erickson seems to have an attraction to the absurd; did we mention that the wise words of Frida Kahlo are also sprinkled throughout the show, with an exploration of Salsa and Tango? Even more, Erickson isn’t shy when the subject of age, stating that “she is not a spring chicken,” and thanks Flamenco Dance for not caring! In her professional opinion, the dance of Flamenco and all it offers visually and emotionally tends to look better on the more mature dancer!
Another exciting ingredient to the development of this show is the rarely seen, Tanztheater style, a form of dance in the theater that does not follow regular rules. As Erickson puts it, “it breaks down life into movement and raw emotion, and yet at the same time it’s the most simple and pure form of the art, however, not an easy thing to do.” Pina Bausch is credited as the master of Tanztheater by Erickson and playfully states Bausch is her idol. In the opinion of Erickson on her show, yes, it is an infusion of all things”, leaving the audience with a sense of the culture and the artistic energy of being alive.
“Avant-guard” is a phrase that comes to mind when talking to Erickson about Spanish, Very Spanish, and she knows the term is different to many people; she modestly admits that her show is merely a look at life from a different angle. To Erickson, Avant-guard is anything not mainstream and believes an audience needs to be willing to be uncomfortable in exchange for a provoking and emotionally fulfilling and new experience.
Above: Photos of the Hopewell Theater, via HopewellTheater.com