Reviews
★★★★
EDINBURGH FRINGE 2025: “Flamencodanza is a sophisticated, professional and very skilful combination of guitar and Flamenco dancing that are symbiotically joined.
Raul Mannola is the guitarist and opens the show with a mesmerising collection of musical pieces.
His fingers dance across the strings with a high level of dexterity and musical interpretation. It is an extraordinary sight to behold as his fingers move at seemingly impossible speed producing a sound of excitement and flair.
Mannola is then joined on stage by Aylin Bayaz who proceeds to give a truly wonderful interpretation of Flamenco dancing at its highest standard. It is no wonder that this production has toured the world to high acclaim. Her dance routine is sultry, hot and explosively energetic whilst at times very intimate. It’s a hard combination to pull off and she does it to perfection.
Mannola and Bayaz work together so well that it’s impossible to know if Bayaz is interpreting the music with her dance or Mannolas is interpreting the dance with his music.
The performance is masterclass in perfectly balanced Flamenco. If you’re new to Flamenco go and see it, if you are an aficionado of Flamenco go and see it. You won’t be disappointed. Jeremy Welch https://www.scottishfield.co.uk/culture/fringe-reviews-baxter-v-the-bookies-aideen-mcqueen-flamencodanza/
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PERTH, Australia: Showcasing a contemporary flamenco style, Flamencodanza brings together dancer Aylin Bayaz, and guitarist Raúl Mannola, based in Spain. Their award-winning show has toured internationally, captivating audiences in Edinburgh, the US and across Australia and New Zealand.
Raúl’s unique melding of classical Flamenco, Brazilian music and jazz was mesmerising, and well deserving of a show in its own right – as was the case for their first 3 scheduled shows, due to unforeseen circumstances. Sharnaz Aziz-Tan www.perthappenings.com
Dancer Aylin Bayaz combined passion, elegance and precision, with her crisp clean footwork, lyrical palmas (rhythmic handclapping) and beautiful braceo (flamenco carriage of the arms, wrist and body).
A particular highlight for me was watching Aylin’s complete mastery of the mantón (a traditional, square silk shawl with macramé fringe). It was truly impressive to watch her twirl the large mantón with such control, making it an extension of her body.
What truly elevates Flamencodanza is the seamless symbiosis between Bayaz and Mannola, a partnership that clearly comes from years of working together. Every shift in rhythm, dynamic and tempo was instinctively matched, with dancer and guitarist responding to one another in a fluid, unspoken dialogue. Watching movement and music unfold together with such connection breathed life into the art form.
At its heart, Flamencodanza is a conversation. Not just between dancer and musician, but also the artists and the audience. Together, Bayaz and Mannola create something intimate and absorbing, reminding us that flamenco is not just seen or heard, but deeply felt. Sharnaz Aziz-Tan https://perthhappenings.com.au/2026-fringe-review-flamencodanza/
HAMILTON ARTS FESTIVAL, NZ 2026: FLAMENCODANZA CROWD DEMANDS ENCORE
“Aylin´s footwork became a drumbeat to Raul’s guitar, perfectly timed and executed with breathtaking precision.
Her fiery stamping drew inspiration from ballet and contemporary dance, adding a fresh, modern edge to the performance.
The sharpness of her clapping and tapping was truly world-class.
The audience loved Flamencodanza so much that when the duo took its final bow, the applause would not stop, and we were rewarded with an encore.
If you enjoy classic flamenco or contemporary dance, this show is for you.” -Abby Dalgety
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/waikato-news/lifestyle/hamilton-arts-festival-2026-flamencodanza-crowd-demands-encore/PKR4XD44EJCPNC4LHZPMUE7DGM/
Show at the Adelaide Town Hall, reviewd by Clara Santilli.
Stars: A toe-tapping 4.5 stars!
Flamencodanza is a Latin cultural pearl found in the treasure hunt of the Adelaide Fringe in 2026. It is presented by dancer Aylin Bayaz (who for those not in the know is a considered a “prima ballerina” of the Flamenco world) and is accompanied by master guitarist Raul Mannola to a selection of traditional Flamenco, Brazilian and contemporary jazz music. The show is a fierce and complex duet between dancer and maestro, both in a sort of symbiotic artistry with Bayaz’s movement and percussive steps in perfect rhythmic fusion with the dexterity of Mannola’s hypnotic fingers on Spanish guitar.
Mannola is a passionate guitarist that pours his soul into the music of the great composers of his culture and dedicated to a level of artistic excellence that is belied by the fact this seems to be a simple two person production in a small venue in a sea of big marquis acts. This notion is deceptive. Both Bayaz and Mannola are bonafide masters of their respective artforms in addition to being entrancing performers when they are together on stage. Their showmanship is such that it doesn’t require much in the way of production values and flashy effects beyond a stage with good acoustics and a spotlight, which was definitely the case when I saw it at the The Garage International: Town Hall.
Each act was a piece of precision and perfection by Bayaz who is a master technical dancer as well as a passionate and fiery artistry with sensual Flamenco choreography. I want to note that Bayaz’s costume changes were elegant and minimal (2 dresses and a mantilla) and demonstrated that a professional Latin performer doesn’t need flashy couture costumes hide flaws in technique or dancing within their performance. Each movement by Bayaz was fully and expressively inhabited by her, polished to gilded perfection with every swish of a skirt and flick of a wrist; her feet are an intricate instrument in their own right that Bayaz has used with her palmas to create a rhythm that resonates throughout your body. This show is moving on to New Zealand next but there is one performance left at Woodville.
Pittsburgh Fringe 2025: “Flamencodanza is an incredible presentation of passion, energy, and community, complete with incredible music and electric dance. Anthony “Tiriti” Tran’s musical ability is unmatched, as he creates what feels and sounds like an entire band with only his guitar and his hands. This demeanor is calm and soothing, and then his music makes you want to get up and dance right there in the audience. Aylin Bayaz absolutely commands attention, filling the small studio with enough energy and rhythm to fill a stadium. Bayaz’s outfits were incredible, with bright primary colors that stood out nicely from the simple yet elegant set dressings on stage. The lighting design for the performance perfectly captured the feelings behind each song, and each number’s lights perfectly balanced the colors in the dancers outfits.
The main thing I want to highlight about this performance, however, is the clear chemistry between the two performers. Just in this one hour performance it was clear that these two have an incredible bond and a shared admiration for one another. Tran’s consistent eye contact with Bayaz (which is duly impressive while playing incredibly complex chords on guitar) and the way Bayaz would adjust her dance as well as influence the music with just a glance or a nod was incredible to see live. This show is living proof that music truly is a universal language, and that music is how we share love on all levels. This performance was lively, passionate, and energetic, all while also feeling soothing, relaxing and familiar in a way I couldn’t quite understand. This show felt like a weighted blanket after a hard day, with the intimate crowd and the rhythm of Tran’s guitar and Bayaz’s dance creating a warm and inviting space. I would definitely recommend this piece to anyone, especially those who are new to the world of Flamenco, like myself, or dance performance as a whole. Tran and Bayaz will welcome you in with open arms, and leave with a pep in your step and music in your heart.” https://fringereview.co.uk/review/pittsburgh-fringe/2025/flamencodanza/
Hudson Theatres, Hollywood L.A reviewed by Ernest Kearney
“Aylin is a bailaora (dancer) of great skill and “tiene tablas” (performer of experience.) She epitomizes what I love about Flamenco; that it embodies gracefulness and strength, described as “garra” meaning “force” or “guts,” though the literal translation is “claws.”
What bailaoras strive for, and Bayaz achieves, is sensuality infused with vitality, with life. A Platinum Medal for Flamencodanza (TVO L.A. award 20222, 2023).”
https://thetvolution.com/2023/06/flamencodanza-a-superlative-performance-a-stinging-indictment/
‘The final piece, VIVIR, is danced and choreographed by Aylin Bayaz. Along with Time and No Time, it is the standout performance. A display of hugely impressive Spanish dancing’
★★★★
Washington DC Jewish Cultural Center Cafritz Hall
“Flamencodanza with Flamenco artist Aylin Bayaz accompanied by guitarist Raul Mannola could not have been more different. And that’s the beauty of the Fringe. Mannola opened the one-hour show with a solo guitar piece, and his finesse and mastery are truly remarkable. Throughout the performance he shifted seamlessly through Flamenco styles, paying homage to great composers. He was joined onstage by Bayaz for multiple songs, as her fleet footwork added counter rhythms to the sounds. Bayaz is also a veteran performer, skilled at drawing audiences in with a simple flick of the wrist or shift of her hips. In a word, she’s entrancing.”
https://www.broadwayworld.com/washington-dc/article/Review-CAPITAL-FRINGE-FESTIVAL-Dance-Highlights-at-Cafritz-Hall-And-Delirium-20240723
Moving Parts Dance Festival Melbourne, Australia
“In the intimate ambiance of the venue, Bayaz’s dance movements take centre stage. With each step, she orchestrates choreography that not only mirrors the melodies of Mannola’s guitar but also integrates her costumes seamlessly into her movements. Bayaz’s exceptional skill is evident as she effortlessly transitions between moments of fiery intensity and serene beauty, her costumes becoming extensions of her expression. The rhythms she creates are nothing short of astounding—some fast, some slow, yet all perfectly synchronised with the music, resulting in a harmonious fusion of sound and movement. Through her stunning costumes, Bayaz not only enhances the overall aesthetic of the performance but also transports the audience to the heart of Spain’s vibrant Flamenco culture, immersing them fully in the experience.”
https://www.dancelife.com.au/review-flamencodanza/
Hollywood Fringe 2023 review by actor/director Adam Lazarre-White:
“It was simply incredible! The dancer was an absolute artist, skilled, charismatic, beautiful and dynamic. The guitar player was masterful, relaxed, and alternating between, featuring his playing. […] She was inspiring. Her feet not only were beautiful to watch, not only acted as the “drums” to her partner’s guitar, but they seemed to bring us back in time, to the roots of the music, the roots of the language, the roots of the culture. You could not take your eyes off her. It was also just the right length of time for the experience, musically, visually, culturally. GO!”
https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/9642
Flamencodanza is more than just a show—it’s a breathtaking journey that transports the audience to the heart of Flamenco culture. With its fusion of tradition and contemporary flair, it showcases the enduring power of artistic expression.. The synergy between Bayaz and Mannola, evident in their remarkable performances and captivating visuals, underscores the profound impact of artistic collaboration. Their shared passion and consummate skill resonate deeply, leaving an enduring impression on every fortunate spectator.
https://www.dancelife.com.au/review-flamencodanza/
The second evening of the Fort Myers Fringe Festival 2023 was on fire on Friday, June 2nd at the Alliance for the Arts. Flamencodanza! premiered at the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts.
“What a fabulous way to start a Friday night and the weekend! Flamencodanza! was presented by Aylin Bayaz and Raul Mannola. The pair ventured from Madrid, Spain to bring a performance packed with passion, elegance, inspiration and breathtaking beauty.
The evening opened with Mannola in a soft spotlight making magic happen on the guitar. You have never heard one play with such finesse and ease. The music he creates is mellow, soothing and inviting,almost haunting as it transports you away to somewhere in Spain where you are now one with the music. This trance continues on as the music begins to build with intense multi rhythms and a heartbeat of its own. We are then introduced to Bayaz as she enters the space. She exudes elegance, passion and fire. The way she owns the stage has a way of entrancing the audience and entices them up into that space with her. Bayaz’s dancing bewitches and seduces the audience. The intimacy of the performance space pulls the viewer almost into the performance and gives one a close up view of the intensity of the collaboration between Bayaz and Mannola. The magic of the music and dance allow the audience to take a breathtaking journey.” Nancy Burnham
Flamencodanza
Bayaz and Mannola demonstrate extraordinary skill in their respective art forms, and Flamencodanza is riveting when they perform together. Mannola punctuates the complex rhythms of his guitar with percussive sounds from his fingers and hands. Bayaz’s movements match the passion and yearning of the music as she whips and twirls her full skirt, then lifts it to show off her intricate footwork.
https://www.broadstreetreview.com/reviews/philly-fringe-2023-flamencodanza-and-kcbcxkcbc-iis-summer-series
“The magic of the music and dance allow the audience to take a breathtaking journey.” Broadwayworld.com 2023
https://www.broadwayworld.com/ft-myers-naples/article/Review-FLAMENCODANZA-at-Foulds-Theater-20230603
Are you looking for something different this year at Hollywood Fringe? Start here. Flamencodanza is performed by dancer Aylin Bayaz and guitarist Raúl Mannola, and they are magnificent.
Bayaz and Mannola completely assume the space at the Hudson Guild Theatre where they perform with a unique ferocity but also respect for intimacy. It is flamenco, after all. This powerhouse duo takes their audience for a ride, and they do not hold back. One moment they display tenderness as they replicate candle-lit dinner vibes; the next moment they’ve swept you away with such an uninhibited release of energy that you are tapping or stomping yourself. Yet while this kinetic energy flows in abundance on stage, it remains clear just how much technical control they both have. They are dedicated masters of their craft.
Aylin’s intense, sensual choreography is complemented by the pair’s beautiful garments. Mannola’s hands move over the guitar as if it has always been a part of him. Flamencodanza is hot, and you won’t see anything else like it this at the Fringe.
★★★★
© 2023 FLAMENCODANZA