Really big music in a really small theater is a concept that worked well for the first half of a program by Espan~a Clasica at the Fountain Theatre in Hollywood on Friday night. Choreographer-director Roberto Amaral surrounded himself with dramatic, technically adept dancers whose solos and duets were further enhanced by sumptuous costumes (also by Amaral) and moody lighting (by Scott Tuomey).
Each of the short works was set to taped orchestral selections, all elaborately emotional and melodic works by composers such as Manuel de Falla, Enrique Granados and Isaac Albeniz. Especially appealing were solos by Antonia Lopez, a compact dancer who moved masterfully from sensuous hip sways to brisk intricate footwork accented by trilling castanets (a skill at which the entire company excels). With Amaral in the flamencoesque duet "Triana" (a premiere with music by Albeniz), the smoldering reached a fevered pitch.
