Six dancers from Spain came together to embody the fifth element, an “unseen yet ever-present, the essence that makes up the space around us.” Quinto Elemento was performed by the Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, a leading flamenco company.
For 75 minutes, the dancers embodied the elements through dance. With dramatic lighting, whirling dresses and rhythmic footsteps, the dancers brought the elements to life, as they were supported by two guitarists and two vocalists. The vocalists would sing, stomp and clap along to create a mystical atmosphere.
The dancers came from the Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana company and were choreographed by award-winning flamenco dancer-choreographer Patricia Guerrero. The music was composed by Grammy-nominated composer Jose Luis de la Paz.
Flamenco is a type of dance that originates from Spain. The dance is accompanied by guitar, vocals, clapping and quick rhythmic footsteps. The dancers spin, clap, stomp and flow to the music, while wearing the traditional flamenco clothing.
Flamenco Vivo’s founder, Carlota Santana, has been described as “The Keeper of Flamenco” by Dance Magazine. Santana has been honored by the King of Spain with “La Cruz de la Orden al Mérito Civil” for their work promoting flamenco as an art in the U.S., having locations in New York City as well as in Spain.
Founded in 1983, the Flamenco Vivo company has been teaching people about the art of flamenco. They offer dance lessons to those of all skill levels, to educate and inspire creativity. The company’s mission is to promote flamenco as an art form and a vital part of Hispanic culture. Flamenco has roots in a number of different cultures, so they use this as a bridge to connect people.
Benjamin Tyrell, director of arts programming at Utah Tech, is in charge of reaching out to bands for the 2025 spring season concert series. He networks with different agents to get various artists to come and perform at our university.
Tyrell said, “I was really interested in bringing some international dance to the concert series, and I had actually tried to get them scheduled last season, and it just didn’t work out, with the venue closing and the [Eccles stage] remodel, but we were able to work it out this year.”
Pelar Eagar from Morelia, Mexico, was a member of the audience and is a huge fan of flamenco. Eagar said students should go to these events so they can learn the culture and enjoy the art of flamenco.
Eagar said: “They need to get to know the culture of flamenco from Spain because it is a wonderful dance. It’s amazing. I love flamenco.”
Samantha Eagar from St. George was also a member of the audience and is Pelar Eagar’s daughter. Her mother has been teaching her flamenco since she was a child.
Samantha Eagar said, “It’s very cool to come out and see this and experience some of my mom’s culture, even though it is more contemporary.”
The Flamenco Vivo company’s performance was a time to experience culture through the arts. The main thing the audience could take away from the performance is that flamenco is more than a dance; it is an expression of culture and a form of storytelling.
