UAE | Abu Dhabi 

The performance was part of the Abu Dhabi Festival.
Sara Baras’ tour ‘Sombras’, which translates to ‘shadows’, is her thirteenth, which she has presented and Choreographed herself.

“The shadow, in this case, is the silhouette of a dancer,” Baras explained.
“The shadow that you have always carried behind you is an important reminder to not forget the things that have guided you there; so when you’re lacking in strength, your shadow will help you carry on,” she added.

In 1998 Baras formed her own ballet, ‘Flamenco Ballet Sara Baras’, which has been performed over 4,000 times around the world.

Sara Baras’ company also hosted a flamenco workshop.
The flamenco star is renowned to challenge gender stereotypes.

The main theme of her show ‘Sombras’ is the ‘Farruca’, a dance of strength, which is traditionally
performed by men and is characterised by its elegance and simplicity.

“When I first danced the Farruca, 20 years ago it had a profound impact on me, so with Sombras,
I wanted to remember and showcase that taking risks can make you grow beyond your
expectations,” said Baras.

HOW HAS ARAB CULTURE INFLUENCED FLAMENCO?

Designated a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010, Flamenco is known to be a
dance of feeling and expression made famous by artists like Carmen Amya , Paco de Lucia and
Cameron de Isla, to name a few.

The dance and music style was forged by the ancient Andalusian gypsies (Al-Andaluzi Gitanos), bringing together
dancers, percussionists, guitarists, and singers to evoke their sorrow and joy.

While the exact roots of the Spanish tradition are lost to history, it’s believed that there are some strong Arab influences.

During the Middle Ages, when the Arab Kingdom of Al-Andaluz, part of the Islamic Empire was being pushed to decline by Christian European crusaders pushing into North Africa and the Middle-East, an artistic fusion was formed on the side-lines of the conflict.

The ancient Arabian ‘Mawaal’, a sung poetry, have strongly shaped flamenco songs.

While the ‘jaleo’, the beat of the rapid handclapping is said to emulate the folk melodies and dances of the Middle East. Not to mention the use of Arab instruments such as the Darbuka and Oud.

“Flamenco is an art that has drunk from other cultures and the Arab culture is of course present,” said Baras.

The Mediterranean (Middle-Ground in Latin) has been the melting pot for thousands of years between the Latin, European, Balkan, African and Asian worlds. Gypsies, Nomads, Arabs, Latinos and many more have helped to shape the Flamenco into the emotive masterpieces they are today.