Nobue Kurosu: My First “Al Flamenco” Recital in 2023
I decided to take on my first solo recital, and thanks to the support and help of so many people, I was able to bring it safely to its conclusion yesterday, January 29, 2023.
I chose the title “Al Flamenco”—towards flamenco—with the turning points in my journey since discovering flamenco in mind, and the hope of coming a little closer to it with every step.
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Lighting and rehearsals
Preparing for the performance meant not only practising the dancing but also planning and rehearsing the lighting to suit each dance and its theme. I made a lighting plan, although some parts changed in practice, and spent hours rehearsing with Shiho, who handled the lights. Thank you so much, Shiho!
This is the lighting plan I prepared.
Here is the lighting setup in progress.
During rehearsals, I received ideas from Miho on vocals and Go on guitar, as well as important guidance from my teacher Beni. Shortly before the January 29 recital, Beni received a job that involved filming a dance video. Watching him dance with his whole artist’s soul right in front of me was a shock that gripped my heart. Through his own body, he taught me once again what flamenco and expression mean.
Then came the day of the performance, with so many friends lending a hand.
Their help made it possible for me to take the stage.
I felt that I had never danced so freely or felt so fully myself.
Here is the beautiful photo gallery Beni put together. Thank you so much, maestro!
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A new door
I feel this recital helped me take another small step forward. That step brought a new door into view, and I want to open it and keep moving.
The recital reminded me that, as we walk through flamenco and through life, we grow amid a mixture of emotions: small and great joys, sorrows, anger and envy.
There is still a long road “towards flamenco” ahead of me. I want to keep making that path blossom, accompanied by all of life’s joys, anger, sorrows and pleasures.
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Thank you to my friends
Thank you to everyone who came to watch at the studio, and to everyone who left so many comments on YouTube.
My heartfelt thanks to Go, Miho, Chika, Junjun and Shiho on lighting; to Naoyo, Mayumin, Mayu, Nami, Sonia and Teo for helping; to Mari for coming to watch; and to my teacher Beni.
I received so many flowers and gifts. Thank you very much!
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The streaming announcement at the time
The recital was streamed live for members of the “BG FLAMENCO” YouTube channel. The January 2023 post listed membership at ¥1,190 per month and invited readers to join to watch the archive. These were the terms announced at the time, not confirmation of today’s price or availability.
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