UK Tour 2023
press quotes
“Blue Ghost is captivating from beginning to end. They seemed to be ephemeral creatures, rather than human beings, that danced purely for the sake of dancing.”
Maggie Watson, Dancin’ Oxford
“This is an intimate study of the two tiny creatures, performed by two floating and sinuous flamenco women… If Moira Shearer could have removed her red pointe shoes and put on the heels and taps of flamenco shoes, she would have danced it like this.”
Tracey Holmes, Minerva Theatre
Audience Feedback
“The flow, story and sheer energy and technicality were a delight.”
“Beautifully visceral and experimental at once.”
“Such lovely ideas and it flowed so well. Effective blend of the traditional and contemporary in both dance and music.”
“It was mesmerising and incredibly powerful.”
“A company with so much to say.”
“The dancers were fabulous and so was the music - creative, original, beautifully done, challenging and moving.”
Creative Team
Artistic Direction, Concept, Choreography & Dance:
Magdalena Mannion & Noemí Luz
Original EDM Composition & Sound Design: Nick Rothwell, Cassiel
Flamenco Advisor, Original Flamenco Composition & Guitar: Liam Howarth
Flamenco Song: José el Tremendo Hijo
Costumes: Belén de la Quintana
Lighting Design: Antonio Valiente
Technical Manager: Natalya Scase
Tour Programming: Dotdotdot Dance
Participation Project Producers: Rosalind Hewett & Elaine Foley
Images Camilla Greenwell
Video: Roswitha Chesher
About Blue Ghost
Luz & Mannion draw our attention to the unexpected beauty and rhythm harboured in the insect world in a visual, dynamic and electric flamenco show. Inspired by the Blue Ghost Firefly & the importance of insect conservation this is a nostalgic celebration that reminds us of our interconnectedness, embraces our need for transformation & shows us that even the smallest creatures have an important part to play.
Flamenco dance & music meet live electronic music by Nick Rothwell, Cassiel in this innovative, multidisciplinary project.
Luz & Mannion Dance is collaborating with leading Insect Conservation charity Buglife UK Scroll down for more information about invertebrates and how to help protect them.
Alongside theatre performances Luz & Mannion also present Blue Ghost Sensory Experiences for SEN Schools and Groups as well as collaborating with a variety of schools and organization on outreach activities. More info: info@dotdotdotdance.com
Luz & Mannion Dance is passionate about insect conservation and we are collaborating with Buglife UK: the only organisation in Europe devoted to the conservation of all invertebrates. They work actively to save our rarest little animals, everything from bees to beetles, worms to woodlice and jumping spiders to jellyfish. Find out more about how you can get involved here. Chichester Festival Theatre will be hosting a post show talk with a Buglife representative together with the artists at the Blue Ghost Premiere on the 4th February 2023.
About fireflies
Fireflies are some of our most enchanting insects. Also known as lightningbugs or glow-worms, these members of the beetle family can be found all over the world, from riparian forests and desert canyons to wet meadows and even urban backyards. Over 2000 species have been described, with new ones being documented every year. Fireflies play important roles in natural ecosystems, but they also have significant cultural, biological, and economic value. Despite their significance, fireflies are in trouble. While monitoring data for many species are scarce, a growing number of anecdotal reports, backed by expert opinion, suggest that their populations are declining in many parts of the world. Habitat degradation and loss, light pollution, pesticide use, and climate change may all be playing a role.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help fireflies thrive
Learn more
Xerces conservation brochure: https://xerces.org/publications/brochures/firefly-conservation-guide-to-protecting-jewels-of-night
Fireflyers International Network: https://fireflyersinternational.net/
Get involved
Help scientists track firefly populations!
Have you seen a glow-worm? (¿Has visto una luciérnaga?) (Spain): http://www.gusanosdeluz.com/
UK glow-worm survey (UK): https://www.glowworms.org.uk/
Fireflyers International (iNaturalist): https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/fireflyers-international
Blue Ghost Supporters
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England
St Margaret's House, Climate Art, Buglife UK & Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Residencies:
Sadler's Wells, Battersea Spanish,
Centro Cívico Cerro del Aguila, Seville