THE DANCE COMPANY

‘Chachy Penalver Dance Company’ started with the aim of exploring the Flamenco language from a different perspective. Through drawing upon a wide range of artistic elements and mediums, we aim to broaden the scope of artistic sources for our dance compositions.

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.

Michelle started dancing at a young age, studying jazz, tap, ballet and street dance styles, she began her studies in flamenco dance in 2001 in Sydney and furthered her training taking classes and workshops in both Australia and overseas (Granada, Madrid, London & Budapest) with a variety of artists. Michelle has performed in various flamenco performance groups and has enjoyed various teaching residencies both abroad and back home in Sydney.

Rachael has an everlasting passion for dance. She began her training in jazz and contemporary before moving into cultural styles. Her Lebanese heritage naturally led her into Bellydance which she has been teaching and performing for the past 15 years. Her flamenco journey started in 2013 and she hasn't looked back since, travelling Spain to further her training numerous times. Her passion and dedication has evolved and allowed her to start teaching Flamenco at The Sydney Flamenco Studio.

Xara has been studying dance since the age of 4. She started her training in Flamenco before taking on other styles such as ballet, hip hop & contemporary. She has trained in Sydney and London, and most recently participated in extensive workshops at renowned studio Amor De Dios in Madrid. At only 14 years old, Xara has developed her own personal style and confidence within Flamenco, and her passion and commitment to the style is undeniable.

THE DANCERS

Circe’s chords

A vibrant, visually spectacular performance, "Circe Chords" explores this living creative process through music, dance, and literary inspiration. It presents a unique Australian contemporary perspective on Flamenco, powerfully narrated by Chachy Peñalver's company and four acclaimed musicians who seamlessly blend flamenco, jazz, and Latin-American influences.

"Circe Chords" draws deep inspiration from the mythical Circe, exploring the potent feminine creative energy inherent in flamenco. Chachy Peñalver reflects on Circe's complex traits: she embodies qualities society often deems "unfeminine" – mean, vindictive, bold – alongside tenderness and dreams. Yet, these are simply human. The show illuminates this multifaceted human condition, serving as a defense against our tendency to simplify our innate complexity.

This striking parallelism with the flamenco dancer becomes the show's core: a free rein of emotions, positive and challenging, fueling interpretation. It offers sincere female storytelling that genuinely questions our complex human condition.

Our latests production…

TESTIMONIALS

  • 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!”

  • 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”

  • 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.”

  • 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.”

  • 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 innemost strenghts, desires and vulnerabilities. Thanks for a great evening! We hope to see you perform very soon again.”

  • 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.”

  • 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!”

AZUL

AZUL is a collection of stories and reflections about the importance of the world of ideas and the unique capacity of humans to build and destroy realities based on their biggest and most dangerous gift: the imagination. It is a tribute to the vastness of our minds that may lift us to the sky or throw us into the depths of the sea.