The ever-popular Flamenco Festival celebrates its tenth year this March at the Sadler's Wells Theatre with what promises to be sell out performances by the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucia, Ballet Flamenco Eva Yerbabuena, Farruquito, the renowned gypsy king of flamenco dance.
Add to this feast of musical 'tapas' the fast footed Israel Galvn and Spanish chanteuse Estrella Morente, together with gala performances featuring some of the greatest names in flamenco and we have the recipe for yet another spectacularly successful season of Spanish Dance.
There are eight magnificent productions in the main house of the theatre and a further two special performances in the smaller Lilian Baylis Studio.
If flamenco inspires your own dancing footwork, there is an opportunity for you to be a part of the festival. For further details email tapas@flamencofestival.org.
After Theatre Dining
There is only one way to complete your evening of flamenco - a visit to one of the growing number of trendy Spanish Tapas bars and restaurants in London's West End and City.
My own favourite is El Pirata, (5-6 Down Street, Mayfair,Tel: 020 7491 3810), which I recommend for its excellent range of tasty tapas, (the 25 fixed price 'Tasting Menu' with nine dishes is great value), and its varied and reasonably priced list of Spanish wines and sherries.
I have spent a number of evenings here with friends, enjoying the lively buzz and varied tapas dishes that bring back fond memories of evenings spent soaking up the atmosphere and wine in one of Barcelona's many tapas bars.
