Today's letra is an excerpt from a letter (modified to fit the compás) that Simón Bolivar wrote to Manuela Sáenz, a revolutionary heroine from South America who collaborated with Simón Bolivar and is recognized as a feminist symbol of the 19th century wars of independence. I learned about her last night during the show, Mujeres Valientes produced by Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana when I went to see Emilio Ochando perform with the company here in New York ...
Legaste de improviso, como siempre
sonriente, notoria eras tú.
Legaste de improviso, como siempre
sonriente, notoria, te miré.
Mi sangre tu sangre calma
tu sangre la mía amansa.
You arrived unexpectedly, as always
smiling, you are notorious.
You arrived unexpectedly, as always
smiling, notorious, I looked at you.
My blood calms your blood
Your blood, mine tames.
The performance was comprised of two parts. The first half, Mujeres Valientes, was based on the lives of 17th century Mexican poet and philosopher Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and 19th century activist Manuela Sáenz and choreographed by Belén Maya. The second part featured choreographies (and guest appearances) by Guadalupe Torres and José Maldonado. It was a full show with company members and guest dancers from Spain and the United States. My favorite part of the performance was the fin de fiesta where each dancer showcased their personalities and individual styles with a pataita por bulerías, and of course, Emilio's bulerías was out of this world.
*Words and translation courtesy of Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana
