CIRCE’S CHORDS

"Circe Chords" brings together music, dance, and literature exposing the creation act as a living process onstage and transports the spectator to a realm of music and dance where passports are no longer needed.​ This journey ignites vibrant conversations with the audience by showcasing the intriguing darker and brighter sides of human nature in all its extremities.

Featuring four renowned musicians, this show offers a unique Australian take on ​the ancient art form ​of Flamenco, immersing the ears in a tapestry of flamenco sounds, jazz, and Latin-American roots. ​This is complemented by the dancing which builds a strong narrative vocalize​d through powerfully loaded movement​s and distinctive percussive footwork. 

Inspired by the Greek mythical character Circe, this visually spectacular show invites you to reflect on the powerful feminine creative energy present within any flamenco composition, the ongoing conversation between dancers and musicians onstage, and the power of that dialogue to evoke ​both physical and emotional responses​. 

SHOW TESTIMONIALS

  • natalia ricci

    “A wonderful show highlighting the extraordinary artistry of Chachy Peñalver .. a mesmerizing presence on stage. Chachy’s shows are always highly imaginative, moving one-of-a kind  artistic and spiritual experiences . She possesses that elusive and inexplicable flamenco ingredient known as ‘duende’ which only the greatest artists possess”

  • Melissa Nouel

    “There's something about great artistic performances that manage to get us out of the bubble of our daily routines to expand our view ir the world and truly inspire us. Tonight, Circe's Chords has done just that for me. The music was performed with maestry while the flamenco conveyed such an emotional charge, that Chachy and her company made me cry, laugh and connect with my innermost strengths, desires and vulnerabilities. Thanks for a great evening! We hope to see you perform very soon again.”

  • JORGE ASAPCHE

    “Chachy's Circe's Chords was fascinating. It was an emotional roller coaster filled with happy, warm and cozy moments but also very dramatic moments. The flamenco performance was strong and precise. Chachy and all dancers were super skilled and I'm not sure how the floorboard survived such a powerful performance.”

  • phillipa dimakis

    “Loved the blend of the legend of Circe, expressed through vibrant Flamenco. The blend of dance, music and song and the emotions they evoked were thrilling.”

  • ANNA TREGLOAN

    “It is rare to see a work that so seamless combines exemplary technical skill, passion and a sense of community. A heartfelt and joyous experience.

    These artists are hidden Sydney gems. Remarkably talented, skilled and generous. The whole audience went on an extraordinary journey with them.”

  • KATIE MOYLE

    “I could feel the show had such heartfelt and thoughtful storytelling that went into it, and the company dancers were so, so talented. The music was incredible too! The standout for me though was Chachy’s performance. I could feel her burning absolutely everything she had in her in those moments on stage and her release of emotion was palpable and mesmerising!”

  • ALICE ZSMIFF

    “Chachy’s last performance Circe’s Chords shook me to the core. It took me days to even find words to describe what I had experienced: it touched on the sublime…

    The vulnerability, the raw emotional intensity and the breathtaking beauty of Chachy’s performance was heartbreaking. It affected me powerfully on a physical, emotional and spiritual level and the experience has stayed with me.”

  • Anna Griffith

    “What a treat to see this high standard of artistry in Sydney. The production, caliber and talent of performances in Circe's Chords were mind blowing. An real opportunity to witness Chachy Penalver's incredible work as a dancer, choreographer and producer.”

  • Lillian Shadick

    “Circe’s Chords’ was moving in every sense of the word! It requires great artistic care and skill to create a work so emotionally and musically moving that both flamenco fans and first timers can be left absolutely blown away as this performance did.

    Chachy Peñalver’s choreography and ensemble direction was beautifully and carefully chosen, with intention that made the simplest movements highly impactful, and the collective musical and movement layering reach ecstatic levels. We are so lucky to have such world class and creative flamenco here in Sydney! Olé!”

THE COMPANY

Multi-award-winning Flamenco dancer, choreographer, and producer Chachy Penalver has assembled a multidisciplinary Company, bringing together long-time music collaborators and dancers. Their rich hybrid language, rooted in a lifetime of Flamenco training, Latin-American sounds, and Jazz references, has led to the creation of innovative Australian compositions with unique arrangements, drawing inspiration from tradition while delivering a strong narrative in their performances.

With two decades of career experience and an extensive history of collaboration with Flamenco, classical, and world music artists, Chachy has curated a talented ensemble, including Aria nominee Byron Mark, Limelight awardee Greg Alfonzetti, acclaimed musician Kieren Ray, and multi-award-winning Adelaide Fringe artist Zoe Velez as the core of her band.

Additionally, she has nurtured three emerging Australian Flamenco dancers under her direction over the past decade: Rachael Melky, Xara Zaineddine and Michelle Cervonaro.


With a solid foundation in the traditions of the Flamenco form, the company brings a contemporary edge that permits the emergence of interdisciplinary pieces on stage that tell compelling stories of the divine and earthly in human nature.


MEDIA

THE COMPANY ARTISTS

Dancers

Chachy Penalver (Choreographer, dancer and Director)

Rachael Melky, Xara Zaineddine and Misi Cervonaro.

Musicians

Arrebato Ensemble: Greg Alfonzetti (Guitar), Damian de Boos-Smith (Guitar / Cello) and Byron Mark (Percussion and keyboard)

Zoe velez (Cante/Vocal)

Kieren Ray (Guitar)