Edinburgh Fringe 2025
Strings, Steps, and Soul: Flamencodanza Shines
Aylin Bayaz & Raul Mannola
Venue: C ARTS | C venues | C alto
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
Flamencodanza is an intimate and captivating performance by Aylin Bayaz and Raul Mannola, blending the elegance of flamenco with contemporary flair and award-winning artistry, inviting audiences into a magical world of music and dance.
Review
Flamencodanza, created and performed by Aylin Bayaz & Raul Mannola, has already made an impact on the international stage, having toured at several festivals across Europe and beyond. The show was recognized with the Best Show of Dance and Physical Theatre award at the Hollywood Fringe in 2022, a testament to its wide appeal and artistic quality. It is a welcome delight to see this acclaimed production now gracing the Edinburgh Fringe, offering Fringe audiences a chance to experience its unique magic up close.
The evening began in complete darkness, the audience hushed in anticipation. In the intimate theater, the only sound was the gentle, mesmerizing guitar played by Raul Mannola, his fingers dancing across the strings, conjuring melodies that felt almost otherworldly. As the music filled the space, Aylin Bayaz appeared, dressed elegantly in a sleek blue dress. The setting was minimal, keeping the focus entirely on the performers. The show unfolded as a series of connected pieces, each one highlighting the dynamic interplay between dancer and musician. Raul’s guitar work offered both rhythm and atmosphere, while Aylin’s dance brought those sounds to life with movement both graceful and powerful. The duo’s chemistry was evident, making the performance feel spontaneous and deeply connected.
From the very first moments, there was a sense of breathless expectation, an electric charge in the air. Raul’s playing was not only technically impressive, but also deeply expressive, as if he were weaving spells with his hands. When Aylin stepped into the light, her presence instantly captivated the entire auditorium. Her movements were confident and passionate, yet there was a fleeting shyness in her gaze that drew the audience even closer. At times, when her eyes met those in the crowd, you felt as if she was inviting you into a personal conversation, making the art form approachable and warm. The second piece in the program was especially romantic and intense, tinged with a gentle melancholy, but always pulsing with energy and hope. Throughout the evening, Flamencodanza balanced the elegance and tradition of flamenco with touches of jazz, creating a vibrant, accessible entry point into the world of this dance. The result was a performance that felt both timeless and refreshingly modern, an intimate journey that lingered long after the final note faded.
