A Summer in Flamenco
The summer of 2012 was a unique turning point in the life of an artist. 25 year-old flamenco dancer Adrián Brenes, already a recognised talent, faced a decision. Should he follow his dream to live and perform as a flamenco artist, or seek work as a computer engineer? With Spain in economic meltdown, no choice was easy.
In April 2012, Adrián joined forces with writer and theatre director Jackie Cornwall to produce ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, and the world’s first Shakespeare-Flamenco fusion show was born. Fascinated by Adrián’s art, Jackie made a request. Would Adrián teach her about Flamenco? Could she follow his career for a summer, watch and listen, and learn about his world? And could they create a book together about his career in dance, its challenges and joys?
Adrián agreed to take part in the project and when photographer Kelly Lawlor signed up to provide visual material, the book began to take shape. True to her word, Jackie saw every step Adrián danced that summer, following him as far afield as Florence and New York, taking part in hours of discussion and even trying her hand at the flamenco arts of Sevillanas and palmas. The result is a unique collaboration, bathed in the warm light of Southern Spain, an intimate record of one artist’s journey towards the future.
The book is available in English and Spanish.
Reviews of A Summer in Flamenco:
‘I’m really enjoying reading this fascinating book! It’s both funny and informative; addressing the history and range of the dance as well as Spain’s current economic climate and the choices made by a supremely talented, intelligent, thoughtful and humble young dancer. The personal perspectives of Jackie Cornwall and Adrián Brenes truly bring the story to life as do the action shots, taken by Kelly Lawlor. I highly recommend it… a great read!’
‘A stunning book and a fascinating insight into the life of a super-talented flamenco dancer embarking on his career – I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.’
‘The photography is stunning and sets the scene for the book, and it’s interesting that the narrative is split into two – one voice is Jackie Cornwall’s, and the other is Adrian Brenes…. it works beautifully, and you learn not just about this particular chapter in Adrian’s life, but about life in this part of Spain in this moment in history.’
‘Superb – I will be recommending it!’
‘If you love flamenco you’ll love this book. I read it, shared it and then went with friends from our flamenco class to see Adrián dance in Conil last summer – mesmerising! He and Jackie chatted with us afterwards – an evening to remember. Do read the book!!’
A Summer in Flamenco is available on Amazon.