'Pasión' reigns in Spain

Flamboyant personalities lit the stage on fire Saturday, as the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre presented "Pasión," a varied program celebrating Hispanic culture, at the Union County Arts Center in Rahway.

Lisa Botalico danced and sang with her head thrown back, her energy seeming unquenchable. In three slinky duets, Virginia Kelly and her partner, Stefan Zawistowski, explored the lubricated ins-and-outs of the Argentine tango.

Torrid numbers like these explained the program's title. Never mind the sensuality of the material, though -- these artists clearly have a passion for performing.

The music, which also included some taped material, was terrifically engaging.

Botalico passed through a variety of rhythms and moods in her solo, "Cantiñas." In sequence, she emphasized the swaying of her hips, the curling tracery of her arms, starkly dramatic poses and a rapid "zapateado." Finally, hitching up her skirts, she became a saucy, one-woman fiesta.

Wearing a seductively transparent, beaded costume, Kelly clung to Zawistowski in "Desde Alma," a duet that combined the flashing footwork of the tango with the circling pathways of the waltz.

In the "Farruca," Ricki Santiago created tension with taut silhouettes, concluding a phrase with rapid turns, even spinning on his knees into a final pose. The dancer called Chavela brought suspenseful languor to her flirtatious performance of "Garrotín." Gisele Revollar energetically covered space and brought an authentic gypsy spontaneity to her dancing in the "Alegrías."

When a soloist appeared transfigured or an amorous pair held the stage, "Pasión" proved mesmerizing.

BY ROBERT JOHNSON

Star-Ledger Staff, February 2005

		Opened with beautfully staged Caracoles by Eva Lucena, evoking yesteryear grandeur of teatro flamenco. Edwin Aparicio - definite star of the night- has matured into a force to be reckoned with. His Solea had the audience roaring OLE, Eso Es!. To watch him is to dance with him. Chavela's Bamberas reminded me of the brown patina'd photos of 1930's flamenco with her soft ethereal look. The Guajiras, a soothing choreography with the multi-colored shawls reminding one of butterflies stretching newly-formed wings. Gisele Revollar, muy flamenca has risen and matured over the years. Lisa Botalico and Eva Lucena stole the show with their comedic Tanguillos por Chufla. The traditonal and fusion and chemistry between the performers was very evident. What a night to be remembered. Damaris Solis, Critic Flamenco Buzz - Nov 6th , 2004
Pupils get Taste of Hispanic Arts and Culture- in Highland Park, with Eva Lucena, Gisele Revollar, Peter Suarez, and Kristina Cárdenas, with the very accomplished guitarist, Carlos Revollar describing the many techniques of Spanish guitar playing. Justice, “a student” said,” us students enjoy the castanets, they make a very cool sound” . Peter Suarez danced a dramatic “Solea”, and Kristina Cárdenas and Eva Lucena teamed up for the audience pleasing Zapateado, a classical dance. Krystina also danced a vibrant Mexican dance from Jalisco “Son de la Negra”. Eva Lucena got the students involved in a Rumba which ended with raised hands and a resounding OLÉ. Craig Yetsko Home News and Tribune Courier News January 12, 2004 "Carmen Salao ... electrified the atmosphere as much with her blazingly fast and clear footwork as with her personality... At its best, this was flamenco of the finest quality... the contrasting styles often proved as interesting as the performances themselves. Lisa Botalico was the essence of fiery passion... At the other end of the spectrum were the soft edges and classical lines offered by Gisele Revollar. Finally, there was the imperious and emphatic bravado of Ricki Santiago." Karyn D. Collins Asbury Park Press Nov. 12, 2002		Troupe Turns Up The Heat "Passion, like fire, comes in varying degrees of heat. Alborada gave a sold-out crowd a vibrant display of the many shades to be experienced. - A full smolder, slow burn, raging fire, and gentle warmth. The sparkling duo of Virginia Kelly and Walter Perez- the man swaggers, the woman stalks her prey, the little leg flicks speaking danger and daring- Sexual tension is in the air. Flamenco is more about the ART of seduction- Lisa Botalico's “Solea” had the crowd on its feet. The matador machismo of the multi-talented Ricki Santiago- Eyes locked on each other transmitting a promise that is every bit as hot as the more overt tango. Eva Lucena's very clever way of staging-" Karyn Collins Asbury Park Press May, 2003