Somewhere between the graceful movements of a ballet dancer and the intricate footwork of flamenco comes the passion of the bullfight.

The Bolero Dance Theatre showcases their talent and ingenuity in their full-length production, Matador, directed by Pedro Aurelio.

“There is no recorded music, it is all live. We have 15 dancers,” Aurelio said in a phone interview.

The dancers come from all walks of life – as professionally trained dancers or recreationally trained ones with an affinity for Spanish dance.

The show’s choreography is an astounding combination of structured ballet movements and sizzling flamenco hips. For Aurelio, the blend comes naturally.

“Spanish dance is not just flamenco. There is Bolero which is very much like ballet, so it fits,” he said.

Aurelio’s background makes him a master of movement. A former Royal Winnipeg Ballet dancer, the University of Winnipeg educated Aurelio in the art of theatre and he stays in touch with classical Spanish dance.

“I am lucky enough to learn from the masters. I want to keep these dances alive,” he said, adding he has learned a lot from trips to Spain.

Bits and pieces of Matador even incorporate traditional Spanish sequences. 

Aurelio says that the inspiration for his production came from the heavy words of Vincente Blasco’s novel Blood and Sand, which is about the heartbreaking sport of bullfighting.

The storyline follows a noted matador tormented by a choice between two women – his childhood lover and the smouldering temptress of the upper class world.

His indecision follows him into the arena, affecting his performance as a skilled matador. The result is catastrophic.

“‘Killer’ is the literal translation of ‘matador,’” Aurelio explained of the complex culture of bullfighting. “Used specifically for bullfighting, it means the one that actually kills the bull.”

Aurelio says that the matador plays with the bull, making him suffer before bringing him to his death. In a single bullfight, six bulls will be killed.

“I have seen bullfighting and it is extremely cruel.”

Beny Pupo, a Cuban dancer who plays the bull opposite to Aurelio’s matador, says viewers can expect quick cape movements, complicated footwork and, most of all, passion.

“I am trying to portray the cruelty of it all,” he said.

Matador will be performed Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27 at the Franco-Manitoban Cultural Centre at 340 Provencher Blvd. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults or $18 for students/seniors, and are available online at www.bolerodancetheatre.ca or in person at McNally Robinson Booksellers.

Published in Volume 65, Number 24 of The Uniter (March 24, 2011)