The audience was plunged in darkness. Suddenly, a guitar started playing and a haunting voice arose. This was the dramatic beginning to Maria Benitez's Teatro Flamenco's performance of Estampa Flamenca.
Benitez, the well known "Queen of Flamenco," had to live up to a great reputation. Renowned throughout Spain, and with performances all over the world, Benitez kept the audience waiting with bated breath.
The appearance of the group in traditional costume was striking, the men in black, the women in beautiful, brightly colored dresses.
The first dance performed was one that involved all members of the group except Benitez, two men and four women. Benitez then appeared on the stage and performed a solo. Then another performer performed a solo.
The set finished with a song and short dance by the singer, a man with a cheerful demeanor in complete contrast with the heart-rending songs he performed.
The audiences' enthusiasm was marked by their willingness to clap (invariably in the wrong places) and by hearty shouts of "ole," throughout the performance. During the interval many people could be seen imitating the stamps and hand movements they had seen in the show.
The second set began with a beautiful guitar solo. Then the stage was set for more solos to begin. This time it was the men's turn to perform. A young man full of energy put the audience in awe with the speed with which he worked through the steps. The audience demanded he return for an encore.
The next person to perform a solo was the only other male dancer, who dazzled the audience with the intricacy and speed of his footwork. During this part of the show one of the young female dancers sung along with the musicians, instead of the usual male singer.
Just as the audience was beginning to think the women had disappeared, they entered onto the stage in new, stunning dresses. The color and excitement the women brought to the show was electric.
They performed only one dance, which received tremendous applause.
The highlight of the show came next. Benitez herself came on stage wearing a bright red dress, with a long train and a large shawl which she utilized during the dance.
As the show came to a close, it was hard not to wonder whether the performers or the audience were enjoying the dance more.
