Sara Baras, all the voices

Sara Baras, All Voices, is an iconoclastic and absorbing documentary portraying the life and the creative journey of the world-renowned Spanish flamenco dancer, Sara Baras. Directed with much finesse by José Andreu and Rafael Moles, this documentary elegantly wraps the artistry and personal struggles of Sara Baras while also serving as a love letter to the mesmerizing and complex art form that is flamenco.

The movie paints an intimate portrait of Sara Baras, one of the most internationally recognized flamenco dancers. With her exceptional footwork sending a mesmerizing tornado of rhythm, she has conquered the stages worldwide and has brought the flamenco idiom back to the spotlight. However, behind the robust footwork and arm-centric flourishes that seemingly come effortlessly, is a woman molded, shaped, and constantly challenged by her passion for flamenco.

From her modest beginnings in the small Andalusian town of San Fernando, Cadiz, to the dazzling bright lights of the globally acclaimed stages, the story of Sara Baras unravels the strength, integrity, and an ardent devotion to her art. Her rise to the status of a cultural icon proves to be an inspiring journey shrouded in commitment, hard work, and unflinching faith in her dreams.

The documentary masterfully weaves through personal and professional passages of Sara Baras, offering the viewer an insight into the intricacies of her life that shaped her fierce persona. The filmmakers have created a delicate balance, providing an unbiased view of the triumphs, adversities, joys, and disappointments she encounters during her journey. Sara's personality shines through every shot, her vivacious energy is infectious and her sheer resilience inspirational.

Perhaps one of the most charming elements of Sara Baras, All Voices, is its sincere approach to flamenco, portraying it not simply as an art form but as a lifestyle deeply intrinsic to Spanish culture, especially the Andalusian region. The documentary is composed like a beautiful mosaic, piecing together archival footage, behind-the-scenes peeks during her shows, rehearsals, and the creation of new choreographies.

The film pays homage to the grandeur of flamenco, transcending the boundaries of being merely an aesthetic dance form and delving into its emotions and rhythms. It effectively captures the essence of flamenco - soulful singing, passionate dancing, and enchanting guitar play, the fervor, the pain, and the ecstasy that are deeply ingrained in this Spanish art form.

The pivotal role that Sara's family plays in her artistic journey is profoundly highlighted in the film, especially the bond with her mother, who was her first dance teacher. Likewise, the movie sensitively sheds light on her personal life, the influence of mammoth figures in the world of flamenco and the most poignant moments that have impacted her artistic development.

Her production, Voices, serves as the backdrop for the narrative, a performance dedicated to the great maestros of flamenco, to honor and keep alive their incredible legacy. Through the lens of Sara’s voices, their dancing shoes echo their eternal passion for the music, the rhythm, and the song, staking its claim in the annals of time.

On another level, the documentary has a potent feminist undercurrent. Breaking through the capricious world of flamenco, traditionally dominated by male dancers, Sara Baras has proven that a woman can carry a flamenco show with the same power and drama as a man. Her progressive mindset is reflected in her choreographies, where she dances both tangos and bulerias, usually reserved for men, thus shattering established gender norms.

Visually, the movie is a treat, with scenes of spectacular Spanish landscapes providing a picturesque backdrop for Sara's compelling journey. The cinematography is masterful, presenting the fierceness and moments of quiet introspection with equal brilliance. The soundtrack accompanying the visuals brilliantly complements the narrative, often letting the rhythmic sound of shoes hitting the floor or the mournful wail of the cantaor tell the story.

In conclusion, Sara Baras, All Voices is a cinematic celebration within the flamenco domain. It firmly roots the viewer in the explosive energy and the raw emotion of flamenco while serving as an intimate chronicle of a gifted artist's life. The movie dives into the mesmerizing world of flamenco, and the result is a passionate, inspiring, and aesthetically pleasing documentary that pays rightful tribute to the phenomenal talent - Sara Baras.

Undeniably, this movie is a must-watch for dance enthusiasts and for anyone who appreciates an inspiring tale of perseverance that transcends cultural and artistic boundaries.