The audience sat in rapt attention, as two internationally-acclaimed artists of Kathak and Flamenco came together in an electrifying mix of rhythm and fury. Titled, Fastest Feet on Fire, Pandit Chitresh Das, known for taking Kathak to the world and Antonio Hidalgo, Spain’s best known Flamenco star, matched steps and created magic.
Both presented their dance forms, and then challenged each other, amidst a live ensemble of Hindustani and Spanish musicians.
“We call it a collaboration and not a fusion. It is not like I performed Kathak in tap boots and Antonio did his Flamenco in ghungroo,” smiles Panditji.
“The way we communicate in Kathak and Flamenco is very similar and both have very complex rhythm. It was a beautiful feeling to combine two different cultures,” says Antonio. “Sadly, many confuse Flamenco with salsa and tango, while others think it is of Latin origin,” he rues.
Das and Hidalgo met at the American Dance Festival in North Carolina in 2005. “We both were a part of the section referred to as festival of feet and realised during our performances, that we had elements in common and that we could collaborate together. Thus, germinated the entire concept,” recalls Panditji.