Andalusian born and bred, body and soul, Sara Baras has rightfully established herself as one of the most admired flamenco performers. On 3 and 4 March, the palindromic star (her names reads the same left to right as right to left) brings her ‘Carmen’ to Malaga. A distinctive version, although rooted in the tragedy of the love which the story symbolises, This is a free-spirited and genuine Carmen, with a womanly attitude which is life itself.

Sara Baras was born in San Fernando, in the province of Cadiz. It was there that she began her dance studies at the school run by her mother. Not long after, she joined the group Los Niños de la Tertulia Flamenca, performing at flamenco festivals throughout Andalusia. At the age of 18, she joined Manuel Morao’s company, and in 1989 won the TV show Gente Joven. In 1991 she performed for two months at the Edward VII Theatre in Paris. 1992 saw her in action at the Lyon Dance Biennial, and performing at the Paris Conference Centre. The Seville Expo and the New York Town Hall Theatre were also graced with her presence during the same year.

In 1993 she was at the Seville Festival with Flamenco Intimo, and could also be seen on stage at Genoa’s Verdi Theatre with the show Mira Qué Flamenco. In 1994 she danced with Enrique Morente, and performed a European tour with Paco Peña’s company. May 1996 found her taking part in the show Mujeres, alongside Merche Esmeralda’s company. She also played a part in Gitano, the work by flamenco dancer Antonio Canales.

Sara took a bold step in her career in 1997 by setting up her own company, combining this with her role as a guest performer of the El Güito company. In April 1998, Sara Baras’ company debuted at the Murcia Auditorium with the show Sensaciones. In September, her Ballet Flamenco opened with Cádiz - La Isla at Seville’s Maestranza Theatre. By this stage Sara was leading a hectic professional life. 1999 saw the opening of her show Sueños, while she was preparing Juana la Loca and rehearsing for Mariana Pineda. She performed with Chavela Vargas, at Lorca’s birthplace, at the Bogotá Festival and at the Luna Park in Buenos Aires. She was also involved in the film Iberia, directed by Carlos Saura.

In 2003 Sara was awarded the National Dance Prize. In 2005 she continued with her worldwide tour of Sueños, and premiered Sabores in Paris.

In 2006 she worked with Josep Carreras on directing and choreographing a show which combined opera and dance to pay homage to Spain’s great composers.

By September 2007 she was already premiering her version of Carmen in the Barcelona’s Liceu Opera House. Finally, in March 2008, Malaga’s Cervantes Theatre will have the chance to enjoy this interpretation of Merimée’s timeless work. Without a doubt, a joy for the senses.