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Below is a video excerpt from one of, if not the, most important Australian films for Flamenco in Australia. The video clip embedded below is just the flamenco scene from Strictly Ballroom and includes the special edition commentary.
Strictly Ballroom was released in 1992, starring Paul Mercurio (Scott) and Tara Morice (Fran), directed by Baz Luhrmann. Although the film centers around ballroom dancing with a hint of ‘Dirty Dancing’, Fran’s father Rico and grandmother are Flamenco Dancers. Rico is played by Sydney’s own Antonio Vargas, who, at the time, had the top flamenco school in Australia. Antonio’s (already successful) – career continued to progress after this film, as he tour the world with flamenco shows and star in other movies, including Mission Impossible II.
Antonio Vargas was born and began studying music in Casablanca, he was uprooted to London at age 11 where he took up Flamenco Dance, later escaping to Spain he immersed himself in flamenco dance and guitar. At 18 he danced with the Pilar Lopez Company (Pilar Lopez taught Antonio Gades and her sister ‘La Argentinita’ was one of the most famous dancers of her time) and at 20 he toured with Company Rafael de Córdova. In 1962 Antonio Vargas formed his own company and began a life-long love affair with teaching, collaboration and interpreting novels and poetry into flamenco choreography.
Chances are you have already seen the film Strictly Ballroom, but I am sure you will enjoy the Flamenco Scene again with the production commentary from Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin (costume designer), and John O’Connell (choreographer) included. It’s interesting to hear how John O’Connell – often referred to by his nick name Cha Cha – had to undergo extensive Flamenco Dance Lessons with Antonio Vargas, so he in turn could reverse the role and tell Antonio what to do.
The full film with commentary if you available on the Baz Luhrmann » Red Curtain Trilogy Box Set.
Available online or just track it down at your nearest shopping center, just be sure that your buying the special edition DVD.
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