The Bull and the Moon // DeNada Dance Theatre
Dancers Dominic Coffey as Lolo, the Bull, and Anna Álvarez as the Moon.
Lolo is a little Spanish bull that has a secret. He doesn’t feel like he fits in with the other bulls in the farm. He doesn’t like the big loud bull fights, and he really doesn’t enjoy cowboy rodeos either. Dragging heavy carts of hay, or being the leader of his herd- Lolo doesn’t enjoy any of that!
Instead, every night, he secretly learns how to dance with the shimmering Moon, and dreams of becoming Lola, a famous flamenco dancing cow.
Will you come dance with Lolo and help make their dreams come true?
Direction: Carlos Pons Guerra
Choreography: Carlos Pons Guerra and Ana García
Music: various Spanish and Latinx, arranged with original compositions by Luke Wilson
Design: Ryan Laight
Dramaturgy: Sue Buckmaster
Producer: Sarah Shead / Spin Arts
Lighting for indoor version: Barnaby Booth
“Endearing”
Commissioned by Bradford Producing Hub, DanceXchange, the Canarian Institute for Cultural Development with further support from Arts Council England.
Premiered at Bradford Bowling Park, August 2021
For outdoor and unconventional spaces
Theatre version currently in development.
The Bull and the Moon is brand-new family friendly production that celebrates anyone who dances to their own tune. A fun, fiery and magical outdoor dance performance that blends contemporary dance, flamenco and theatre, this is a heart-warming story about the importance of being oneself, family and trans inclusivity.
Directed by Carlos Pons Guerra for DeNada Dance Theatre, the work has been co-choreographed by Pons Guerra and flamenco artist Ana García. Danced to a fun and eclectic score of Spanish and Latin music and sounds, arranged by Luke Wilson, the production has been designed by Ryan Laight and produced by Spin Arts.
At the heart of the work is the idea of celebrating individual gender identity, and allowing the beauty of each individual to shine, regardless of gender expectations. Subtly introducing ideas of gender fluidity and non- binarism, it also tackles bullying, whilst encouraging tolerance, engagement with the arts and sensitivity.
Families of all types are encouraged to watch; the production has been created for audience members 3+. We want the production to reach as many young and older audience members as possible, and are keen on presenting the work to groups who perhaps have more traditional views on gender roles and expectations, as it is a sweet and subtle way of starting a conversation on the topic of children and gender.
In our hearts, we would love for the production to bee seen by any child or adult who has ever felt that the expectations on their gender stopped them from doing anything or becoming who they really wanted to be.
More specifically, the production targets children and young people ages 5+ who may identify as non-binary, trans, or other gender denominations, as well as their families, carers and educators. The production was born out of recognising the lack of onstage representation for these vulnerable groups, and it is our intent for them to see themselves positively reflected in the work.
Photography: Outdoor- Coverage Studio and Matt Walsh; Indoors- Nacho González; Illustrations: BLKMoodyboi