Sara Baras: “Flamenco knows no borders; it goes straight to the heart.”

She first appeared on stage as a child and hasn't stopped dancing ever since. Sara Baras studied at her mother Concha's school and, at just 14, joined Manuel Morao's company to begin touring the world, promoting her art and bringing flamenco to the world.

Paco de Lucía “He was always very affectionate and gave me advice that I value more every day.”

Countless awards endorse the career of this artist, who in 1998 founded her own company so that, in addition to dancing, she could design and direct her own choreographies. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of her company, Baras has chosen the music of one of the greatest, Paco de Lucía.

The words of life “The show is divided into four acts and begins with the words sea, wood, death, and fly.”

Vuela , the latest show by the Cádiz-born flamenco dancer, will tour halfway across Spain starting Thursday, culminating in December at the Folies Bergère in Paris, a theater where she's adored. Catalonia won't be forgotten. Baras will perform on August 7th at the Terramar Gardens in Sitges and on the 9th at the Porta Ferrada Festival in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. In this interview with La Vanguardia , Baras explains the details of her show to the audience.

How did the idea of paying tribute to Paco de Lucía come about?

As we celebrate the company's 25th anniversary, we thought we'd highlight the influence of our most important maestro, who helped us evolve so much. It's been a wonderful gift to be able to remember him, dance him, and pay tribute to him by acknowledging and sharing his work with the public.

What relationship did you have with Paco de Lucía?

I was lucky to have a very close relationship with him. He was always very affectionate and gave me advice that I value more and more every day. This show is one of the most beautiful things I've ever done in my life.

What will Vuela viewers see?

The show is divided into four acts and opens with four words: wood, sea, death, and flying. Wood for tradition. The sea for the love Paco had for it and also for his land. Death so that we may remember those who are no longer here, not only with sorrow, but also with gratitude for having had them in our lives. And flying is music, dance, and love of life.

What is the flamenco audience like in Catalonia?

The Catalan public is wonderful. They're highly educated and deeply cultured. They're completely devoted to flamenco. It's a precious relationship with me, who's been coming here to dance since I was a child, and especially with Paco, because Catalonia has always adored him.

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You've brought flamenco to the world. How is this truly Spanish art form appreciated abroad?

Flamenco knows no borders. It goes straight to the heart. And I'm fortunate to share it with very different audiences thanks to a host of great artists who introduced it to the world before, from Carmen Amaya to Antonio Gades, Camarón to Enrique Morente.

What is the experience of having your own company?

On the one hand, it's very difficult to maintain a private company for so many years. It's more complicated than going it alone, but it's the only way to choreograph, because that's how I dance, but I also direct. Plus, I have a great team that I'm very proud of.

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You also collaborate with charitable causes.

I'm a sponsor of the Mi Princesa Rett Foundation, a rare disease affecting girls. The foundation is affiliated with the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital and invests in research as well as helping families.