THERE was no introduction, no fanfare…half of Flamenco outfit Bandaluzia walked on stage and the show kicked off. The skill and technique of the Australian band’s flamenco guitarist, Damian Wright, was immediately impressive. The sound he created was clean and clear, despite the first piece of music not being melodically memorable.

The second piece was coy, lilting and inviting, again, brilliantly performed. Wright was accompanied by percussionist James Hauptmann, for most of the performance, on the cajón and occasionally with other percussion instruments. His light touch as well as immense talent and versatility was on display. Ben Hauptmann’s acoustic guitar sound and playing complemented Wright perfectly, at times even sounding as though he was playing bass.

Bandaluzia blend traditional and modern flamenco music, creating a very accessible sound with their interpretation, as demonstrated with a solea which transitioned from a 100 year old piece of music, to a very new piece. The modern music had slightly more fluency and freedom to explore runs and phrases with more subtle pauses and quicker resolutions.

Flamenco dancer Jessica Statham was captivating. Understated in her appearance (minus the red flowers and bright, heavy makeup), she performed in both the “traje de flamenca” – the traditional-style dress and also in pants, the latter allowing us more vision of her body movement and footwork.

The dim lighting used for Statham’s first dance was moody but obscured any detail. Later, more appropriate lighting resolved this. At times Statham’s choreography resembled elements of Broadway tap dance. With a quick jump, flick, click, or a slow raising of her arms, she subtly and simultaneously toyed with the musicians and audience alike and they with her.

As Statham raised her skirt and danced slow circles before breaking the tension with repetitive, frenetic-paced spins and emphases, a metaphor for courting or love-making wasn’t a huge leap to make.

The timing and precision between the band members as well as with Statham, was completely in sync even when performing complicated syncopations. A couple of the lighting and mic changes were not quite as precise. At times the audience was unsure of when to clap, but the beauty of flamenco is it usually doesn’t matter – the more the better!

The band performed with an inviting, relaxed and easy demeanour and elicited calls of encouragement from the audience, which appeared to be a full house. Part of the enjoyment of watching live flamenco performances comes from the vocal connection between the performers themselves and with the audience and that was evident in this performance.

The show seemed to be over in a heartbeat, despite a performance of around 90 minutes. But with the incredible concentration, skill and energy required for these shows, we couldn’t begrudge the performers for only teasing us for an encore.

Bandaluzia performed as part of the Segue Festival, staged to coincide with Europe Day. The festival will continue with a variety of performances at The Street until May 14.