“To be a dancer is a never ending process” – flamenco dance virtuoso Bettina Castaño

 

Flamenco dance virtuoso Bettina Castaño from Sevilla has created more than 20 shows blending the different cultures of Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Egypt, Morocco, India, Latin America and Europe. She performed recently at the xChange Festival in Chennai, India (see my writeup here: IndiEarth XChange: Annual showcase of world music and indie acts in India!).

Castaño experiments with world music and dancers from various cultures, and has developed a wide range of choreographs. She sees many similarities between flamenco and Indian dance forms such as kathak, and has performed with IndiaLucia, an Indian flamenco-fusion band.

 

 

Castaño joins us in this exclusive interview on her journey, the wide range of collaborations, the challenges faced by culture professionals, and the healing role of music and dance.

Madanmohan Rao – How would you describe your musical journey and how your work has evolved over the years?

Bettina Castaño – I grew up in a musical family, but nobody was a dancer. I began by playing flamenco music, but then I felt that I needed to dance. To be a dancer is a never ending process. My horizon is getting bigger and bigger and I feel more freedom in dancing and creating. And this is a big motivation. I never stopped practicing and studying.

So many musicians and dancers of so many music cultures have given me inspiration: famous ones and others playing in the street.

 

How was your overall experience in performing overseas? What were the Top Three highlights for you?

I normally perform across Europe and Asia in important theatres and festivals. So overseas maybe: with Philharmonic Orchestra in Teatro Solis in Montevideo, Uruguay; at NCPA Tata Theatre in Mumbai, India with a kathakali and flamenco show; and in the Opera of Cairo.

What new lineups and instruments have you experimented with since the early days?

The traditional instrument in flamenco is voice and guitar. But I have played violoncello since my childhood. I am also very open and eager for other instruments and art forms. To join other cultures and art forms gives me freedom and creativity.

 

 

What are the challenges you face as an artiste, dancer and composer?

If you don’t only think in business and fast money but mostly in quality and truth in art, it is a long and hard journey. But I´m very happy doing it like this. Maybe you go more slowly but you are not selling your soul!

Is there a lot of cultural support for flamenco dance in Spain today?

Right now, not too much because of the economic crisis. Government was and is the main sponsor.

 

 

How do you blend different musical influences and genres in your performance?

The most important part is to reach mastery level in your style. For me it is flamenco dance. This is my center. From here, I can join other artists and create something really new. That is a big challenge, but for me it always leads to great experiences and feelings, new colors and fragrances. Always big enrichments!

How does your composition process work?

There are different forms. Sometimes alone in my studio just hearing some new music, and other compositions I get from musicians. Then also jamming and improvising with artists and further while travelling, and relaxing. I always have music and rhythms in my ear!

 

 

Among all your dances, which are your favorite ones?

In flamenco it is Seguiriya, one of the oldest, strongest and deepest styles we have in flamenco.

What are some unusual reactions you have got during your live performances?

Maybe it was in India and Uruguay. In Europe, the audience normally applauds after I finish a sequence or a dance. In India and Montevideo, they started clapping and gave me a standing ovation even before I finished – that was very funny for me!

 

 

Do you also teach and conduct workshops?

Yes, I also teach in Sevilla and around the world – when I’m touring I give only workshops, but I have master students who teach for me also. I have created a method for learning and studying flamenco dance. I edit my own Study DVDs and books; please check this link: www.castano-flamenco.com/en/shop.

 

 

What is your message to our audience?

Actually, music and art unite everybody and are healing. To feel that you touch and move people in public and that you give them happiness, that they can forget their sorrows: this is for me really magic. Music and dance have no borders and they give us peace!